Discrediting the notion that puppets are strictly for play, this book presents innovative ways for teachers of young children to use puppets as valuable and developmentally appropriate teaching tools. Chapter 1 of the book details the educational benefits of puppets and relates puppetry to play theory, developmentally appropriate practice, and multiple intelligences theory. Chapter 2 presents puppet basics, including illustrations of various puppet types, descriptions of ways teachers and children use puppets, and descriptions of puppet characters. Chapter 3 concerns the use of puppets in the classroom and includes puppet rules for the classroom and suggestions for selecting developmentally appropriate materials. Chapter 4 discusses how to create a puppet personality through mannerisms and voices, and offers suggestions for creating puppet stages. Chapter 5 discusses the use of puppets with children with special needs, including those with attention deficits and visual and hearing impairments. Chapter 6 contains suggested lesson plans based on picture books or oral traditions, in conjunction with a variety of lessons not involving stories, or based on original stories for special purposes. Chapter 7 includes directions for making puppets and suggestions for purchasing puppets. Puppet patterns are appended. A glossary of relevant terms and a 24-item bibliography of professional development materials and childrens picture books complete the guide. (KB)