16mo–2.2y10 minStory timeSocial playFamily time
Puppet Feelings Storytime
A short story-and-puppet activity using simple pictures and a homemade puppet to help toddlers notice and talk about how characters feel.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a picture book (or a few printed/phone pictures) with people/animals showing feelings
- a soft toy or a sock (for a simple puppet)
Nice to have
- mirror (to copy faces)
- blanket or cushion (to create a cozy 'stage')
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneResponds with adult supportHeart· 10mo–18mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneAttends to book contentMind· 18mo–2.6y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneLooks at books with a familiar personMind· 10mo–2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· core
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide stories, pictures and puppets which allow children to experience and talk about how characters feel.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)