Puppet feelings show
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionMaterials: Sock puppet or stuffed animal
Use a simple sock puppet or stuffed animal to act out basic emotions. Make the puppet look happy, then sad, then scared. Name each feeling clearly. Let your child interact with the puppet. When the puppet is sad, you might ask 'Can you help puppet feel better?' This imaginative play lets your child explore emotions and practice caring responses in a playful way.
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How to Do This Activity
Use a simple sock puppet or stuffed animal to act out basic emotions. Make the puppet look happy, then sad, then scared. Name each feeling clearly. Let your child interact with the puppet. When the puppet is sad, you might ask 'Can you help puppet feel better?' This imaginative play lets your child explore emotions and practice caring responses in a playful way.
Why It Works
Symbolic play is emerging at this age and provides a safe way to explore perspective-taking and empathy. Research shows that positive family interactions and emotional modeling foster children's empathy abilities, leading to better social behavior (Sánchez-Pérez et al., 2018). Puppet play combines imitation and modeling with beginning symbolic thinking, allowing children to practice recognizing emotions and responding with care. The playful format makes emotional learning feel natural and engaging.
Tips for Parents
Keep the puppet's emotions simple and exaggerated. Big expressions are easier to read.
Use a gentle voice for the puppet. This keeps the activity calm and focused.
Let your child lead sometimes. Follow what interests them about the puppet's feelings.
Materials Needed
Sock puppet or stuffed animal
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and ModelingBeginning Symbolic Play
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