The Puppeteer's Toolbox: Enhancing Education Through Theatre

The Lil' Leaders Podcast

Today we are thrilled to bring you another big leader feature. Meet Danny Gibbins, an incredibly talented teacher and puppeteer, renowned for her professional workshops that entertain and educate kids and teachers through her business, @dramazing_kids. Danny joins us to share how blending education and entertainment using puppets opens the doors for children to understand they can solve their problems, understand their emotions, and have some fun along the way..

Picture Book Recommendations: a. Gigantosaurus: Roar, Giganto, Roar: A Puppet Book Authors: Cyber Group Studios Will Giganto win the roaring contest? Make a fearsome Gigantosaurus puppet come to life with this novelty board book. Dinosaurs are experts at roaring, and Rocky, Tiny, Mazu, and Bill are eager to have a contest to see who can roar the best. But they need another participant to round out the contest, and fierce Giganto is asleep! Can the dinos wake him up and make him roar? Little readers are invited to get into the act with the help of an attached Giganto puppet that pokes through the scenes helping him snore, chew, chomp a favorite snack, and even dance when Tiny sings. But what they’re really after is much louder than that! b. I am Jim Henson Author: Brad Meltzer Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great - the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Jim Henson, for example, was always dreaming up something new, and always expressing his belief in the goodness of people. Henson was a born performer with a terrific sense of humor, and he used those talents to help create two of the most beloved programs in television history: The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. Through his Muppets, Jim showed the world that there’s nothing more beautiful than imagination, especially when it’s accompanied by laughter and kindness. Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. Which parts of Danny's discussion about the use of puppets resonated with you the most? Why?

2. Which part about kids of different ages connecting with puppets surprised you?

3. Did anything Danny shared surprise change how you think theatre and puppetry can help kids? If so, what?

4. What is your main take away from today's episode?

Have a great week!

Keep reading and keep leading,

Tina