Puppet shows for co-production

Puppet shows provide a powerful, non-threatening medium for children and young people with SEND to express their views, experiences, and ideas. This guide will help you plan and deliver effective puppet-based sessions for co-production work.

Pre-session planning

Equipment needed

• A range of puppets: people puppets of different ages and ethnicities, animal puppets (often less threatening), fantasy characters, blank puppets that can be decorated
• Portable puppet theatre or screen
• Props and backdrops
• Recording equipment (if permitted)
• Visual supports and schedules
• Feedback capture tools

Environmental considerations

• Set up in a quiet, familiar space
• Ensure good lighting but avoid fluorescent lights
• Create a separate calm space
• Arrange seating to accommodate mobility needs
• Position the puppet theatre at an accessible height
• Ensure ventilation (consider puppet material allergies)

Communication supports

• Visual choice boards for puppet selection
• Story structure templates
• Communication aids specific to participants
• Visual emotional cards
• Timer or time indicators
• Break cards

Session structure

Welcome and orientation (15 minutes)

• Use a visual schedule to explain the session
• Allow exploration of puppets and space
• Demonstrate puppet handling
• Establish communication signals
• Set basic ground rules together

Warm up activities (20 minutes)

• Simple puppet greeting exercises
• Copying movements and sounds
• Basic emotion expression with puppets
• Turn-taking practice
• Voice experimentation

Main activity options

Scenario exploration

• Present a relevant scenario (for example, a doctor's visit)
• Allow participants to choose puppets
• Support role play of current experiences
• Encourage "what if" alternatives
• Document suggestions made

Service journey mapping

• Use puppets to walk through service steps
• Identify challenges and positive moments
• Act out ideal scenarios
• Create solution scenes
• Record key points raised

Character development

• Create puppet personalities
• Develop backstories
• Express needs and preferences
• Build confidence in expression
• Note recurring themes

Facilitation techniques

Supporting participation

• Offer multiple ways to engage: operating puppets, suggesting storylines, creating voices, moving props, directing others
• Allow observation time
• Accept all forms of communication
• Use pause points for processing time
• Follow the participant's lead

Managing group dynamics

• Small groups (3 to 4 maximum)
• Clear turn-taking systems
• Visual timers for shares
• Support cards for quiet members
• Break-out options

Capturing feedback

• Designate a note-taker
• Use simple rating systems
• Take photos (with permission)
• Record key quotes
• Create visual summaries

Adapting for different needs

Sensory considerations

• Offer weighted or textured puppets
• Provide fidget alternatives
• Consider sound sensitivity
• Use natural lighting
• Allow movement breaks

Communication adaptations

• Use AAC with puppets
• Include sign language
• Incorporate symbols
• Allow typed responses
• Support physical prompting if needed

Attention span variations

• Short scene structure
• Regular movement breaks
• Change activities frequently
• Build in sensory rewards
• Flexible ending points

Following up

Session documentation

• Summarise key themes
• Create a visual record
• Share outcomes appropriately
• Maintain confidentiality
• Track impact on services

Participant feedback

• Gather views on the process
• Check understanding
• Plan next steps
• Share how input will be used
• Celebrate contributions

Troubleshooting common challenges

When participants are reluctant

• Start with observation roles
• Use familiar stories
• Incorporate special interests
• Build confidence gradually
• Celebrate small steps

Managing emotional responses

• Have comfort objects available
• Use calm down strategies
• Provide movement breaks
• Allow story distance
• Support processing time

Technical difficulties

• Have backup puppets ready
• Maintain simple props
• Keep spare resources
• Plan alternative activities
• Maintain flexibility

Success indicators

• Increased participation
• Emotional engagement
• Repeated attendance
• Growing confidence
• Actionable feedback

Safeguarding considerations

• Maintain appropriate boundaries
• Watch for disclosure signals
• Know reporting procedures
• Ensure consent for recording
• Protect confidentiality

Tips for success

1. Always have alternative communication methods ready
2. Follow the participant's pace and interests
3. Build in plenty of processing time
4. Celebrate all forms of contribution
5. Keep notes on what works for each participant
6. Be prepared to adapt in the moment
7. Focus on the process, not the performance
8. Maintain a supportive, non-judgemental atmosphere

Remember, the goal is to enable authentic expression and meaningful participation, not to create a polished performance. Be flexible, responsive, and always prioritise the comfort and engagement of your participants.