Bedtime Puppet Show
Parent uses a puppet or stuffed animal to tell a calming bedtime story, engaging baby's imagination and language skills through animated narration and conversational turn-taking. The agent coaches the parent to observe social engagement, vocal responses, and attention during this interactive storytelling experience.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and baby in a comfortable, quiet space suitable for bedtime. Have a puppet or stuffed animal within reach. Dim lighting is ideal. Baby should be calm but alert, not overtired.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by introducing the puppet to your child in a gentle, soothing voice. Let the puppet say hello: 'Hi your child! I'm your bedtime friend.' Move the puppet slowly — maybe have it wave or give a little bow. Watch your child's face closely. Does they look at the puppet? Does their expression change — maybe a smile, curious look, or reaching toward it? Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Baby shows engagement with the puppet as a character — looking at it, smiling, reaching, or vocalizing toward it.
- 2~40s
Now begin a simple bedtime story. Use the puppet to narrate: 'Once upon a time, a little bear was getting ready for bed...' Keep your voice calm and soothing. Pause occasionally and have the puppet ask your child a question: 'Are you sleepy too, your child?' Watch how your child responds. Does they make sounds back? Does they watch the puppet's movements? Does their body relax as you tell the story?
Watch for: Baby responds to the storytelling with vocalizations, body movements, or emotional expressions that show comprehension and engagement.
- 3~35s
For our final part, create a little conversation between the puppet and your child. When your child makes any sound — a coo, babble, or sigh — have the puppet respond immediately: 'Oh, you think so?' or 'Tell me more!' Then pause and wait. See if your child makes another sound in response. Watch for shared attention — does your child look back and forth between you and the puppet? Does they seem to understand this is a three-way interaction?
Watch for: Baby shows shared attention during the puppet conversation — looking between parent and puppet, responding to both, understanding the social triangle.