“The role of finger puppets is unique because they are placed on your own hands, so you literally have your world and your life on your fingers and you can start making stories. They can also help build intercultural understanding.” – Martha Llanos, Peru
THE HISTORY OF FINGER PUPPETS:
Puppetry is an ancient form of performance, believed to have originated 3000 years BC. It is used in almost all h
uman societies as entertainment and in ceremonial rituals and celebrations. Throughout history, puppetry has played an influential role in communication and knowledge of foreign cultures, not only for children but for adults as well. As the stories go, the scrapes of yarn that are knitted into characters and placed on fingers will do the dance of life while the flames of a fire lick the night sky. This is the anecdote handed down from generation to generation in the high planes of Peru. Near Lake Titicaca, on the frigid Andean plateau 12,500 feet above sea level, everyone in the tribes knit. From a young age they learn the fine art of textile making, and use their artistic savvy to create the finger puppets we so love. THE MAGIC OF FINGER PUPPETS:
Puppetry is an ancient, traditional art that is still active today in nearly every culture. A child engaged by puppetry will learn lessons you never even expected to teach, all while having fun. Puppets provide that special link between learning and play which makes them wonderful teaching tools for parents, teachers, nurses, doctors, and anyone with an imagination. Puppetry is a powerful medium for aiding in therapy, easing rehabilitation, and promoting social change. This is primarily due to the puppets’ universal appeal; they represent a world of peace and harmonious coexistence, helping children and adults to envision a better world. BENEFITS TO BE GAINED BY USING FINGER PUPPETS IN THE CLASSROOM:
Finger puppets are a fantastic form of interactive learning and entertainment, which aids in child development. They help children build social skills, accelerate language development, self-esteem and confidence. They allow teachers to bring a fresh, new, creative learning experience into the classroom and keep children engaged, and the bright colors and textures proliferate attention span and eye tracking skills. Finger puppets provide a marvelous channel through which we can teach our children about the world and also give them the confidence to explore their own imagination.
