The purpose of this manual is to serve as an instrument for those interested in using puppetry with economically and/or deprived youngsters for the purpose of improving self expression, self-image, and communication. That his form of creative exPression improves coordination, memorization skills, listening skills, and crativity are suggested. Various types of academic learning that can occur with the use of puppetry are listed, such as the encouragement of research where the child needs additional information about a character or story, the concretization of experiences, and expansion of concepts. Plays used in puppetry may be based on experience, literature, the child's imagination, and other areas of interest. They can be peer or teacher created, and found in books of plays or on puppetry. Music can also be incorporated into a puppetry program. Among the major skills attributed to working with puppets is increased opportunities for social amenities, with improvements in poise, self-esteem, and leadership. Other skills that are developed include improved sewing ability, and improved ability in stage construction, carpentry, painting, and measuring. A history of puppetry, factors providing motivation for the use of puppets, and the construction of various puppets, the stage, and the stand are described in the manual. (Author/AM)