To finish off the month of March, I’d like to include a few last fairy tales. Parents of young children often ask me if there is any value to reading old, traditional fairy tales. They are full of stereotypes and hidden messages. While these are valid concerns, fairy tales do have merit.
The magical story of Pinocchio enchants us all. As with other fairy tales earlier this month, there is an underlying layer of symbolism. Pinocchio, as a puppet, is controlled by others. Kids feel like they are controlled by all the adults in their lives, too. Nevertheless, Pinocchio does grow up, making mistakes and learning along the way. Pinocchio also has to face the adventure of going to school, just like they do. This is an encouraging example for kids, even if they do not understand the symbolism. As adults, we too, sometimes dance on strings–impatience, desire, jealousy, etc. All of us need to learn to control ourselves rather than be controlled by ‘strings’. Pinocchio is a life lesson as well as a fairy tale.
Making puppets is a fun kindergarten readiness project and includes all kinds of learning: planning, creating, talking together, pretending, imagining, interacting, to name a few. Socks are easiest to use, or paper sandwich bags. Open up the odds and bits box and add some features. Talk with your child about what kind of puppet to create: an animal, a people, an alien, a letter, a number, a food? Ask your child what the puppet can do. What is its name? Does it have a friend? Model for your child some different voices, low, high, fast, sleepy, etc. You and your child can take turns being the voice of the puppet. Make 2 and have conversations with them or 1 or 2 kids can be both puppets. Is the puppet having an adventure? How about you and your little one?