Puppet Play
Using puppet play to build brains!
Unlock your child’s potential through the magic of puppet play! More than just a drama class, our sessions are carefully designed developmental journeys. We use puppets as "social bridges" to help children navigate their growing world, building essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills at every stage.
Our research-based workshops (designed by early learning educator BJ Anyos) use the "Magic of Puppets" to build the foundations of life-long learning. By participating in our program with your child, you aren’t just playing—you’re hard-wiring your child’s brain for empathy, language, and creative problem-solving.
6 Months - 18 Months
3 years - 5 years
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Did you know? Research suggests that toddlers learn vocabulary 3x faster when a puppet is the one 'talking'!
The Vocabulary Boost: Studies show that toddlers are more likely to imitate a new word when it comes from a puppet’s mouth than a human’s. The novelty of the puppet triggers the brain’s "Pay Attention!" signal.
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18 months - 3 years
Why Do Puppet Play?
Puppets aren't just toys—they are powerful developmental tools. Because babies and toddlers see puppets as "peers" rather than authority figures, they lower social barriers and open up a "fast lane" for learning. During our Puppet Play classes you won't just watch your child play; you will be their primary play partner, learning how to use puppets to navigate milestones, tantrums, and "big feelings."
Puppet Play Together – Parent and Child
Class Days & Times for All Ages
Wednesday (during school term)
9:30 am – 10:15 am: Babies 6 – 12 months (non-mobile)
10:30 am – 11:15 am: Toddlers 18m – 3 year
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Babies 12 – 18 months (mobile)
Thursdays (during school term)
9.30 am - 10.30 am: Preschool 3 - 4 years
10.30 am - 11.30 am: Preschool 4 - 5 years
Our workshops are collaborative. Every session features hands-on activities where parents and children interact directly:
Guided Role-Play: You will use specific "puppet voices" and movements to engage your child’s imagination.
Joint Problem Solving: You and your child will help your puppets solve "puzzles," building your toddler’s confidence and self-efficacy.
The "Parent Toolkit": Every week, you'll walk away with a “play-card”, giving you simple, 5-minute activities to keep the developmental magic alive at home.
Parents, you are the "Bridge" in your child's puppet adventure. You'll learn how to use puppet voices and movements to turn daily chores into games and tantrums into teaching moments. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s the most fun you’ll have all week!
Price
Casual Classes: $25 per class
Term Booking (10 Weeks): $220 per term
Free first ‘come and try’ session
The Science: Why Our Approach Works
At Child Players we don’t just teach children how to play; we teach them how to navigate their world from the Inside-Out. We offer research-backed programs designed to bridge the gap between physical movement and emotional intelligence through the magic of puppetry. Our Puppet Play classes are built on the foundation of Embodied Learning and the Inside-Out Method:
Embodied Learning
Research in cognitive science shows that children learn best when their physical bodies are involved. By physically performing a "Reset Protocol" (like a deep breath or a power pose) before giving that action to a puppet, the child "codes" the skill into their nervous system. The body performs the rehearsal; the brain retains the mastery.
The Inside-Out Method
This technique uses puppets to create Psychological Distance. According to research on Externalisation, children find it much safer to manage a "scary" or "big" feeling when it is placed "Out" onto a puppet, rather than keeping it "Inside." This allows them to observe, analyze, and solve emotional challenges without feeling overwhelmed or ashamed.
FAQs
How long are the sessions?
1
Each session is 45 minutes of high-engagement play, including a welcome ritual, interactive activities, and a calming goodbye.
Does my child need their own puppet?
2
We provide a curated library of high-contrast, tactile, and specialty puppets for use during class. We’ll even help you choose the "best friend" that matches your child's personality each week!
Do parents have to perform?
3
Not at all! We use the puppet as a "social shield." You’ll find that when you’re looking at the puppet and talking to your child, the rest of the room disappears. It’s about your bond, not a Broadway performance.
My toddler is very active and won't sit still. Is this for us?
4
Yes! We move from "Big Body" gross motor play to "Small Focus" fine motor play specifically to help active toddlers learn to regulate their energy. Moving is part of the learning!
Can I join midway through the term?
5
Our curriculum is a "spiral," meaning we repeat and build on skills. While starting at the beginning of the term is recommended, our "Welcome" ritual helps new families jump right in at any time