Puppets as a tool to promote speaking skills in children

Abstract

This research explored how puppets made learning to speak English easier and more enjoyable for children by creating a fun and safe environment where students felt comfortable practicing their speaking skills. Through activities like storytelling and role-playing, puppets helped children gain confidence, participate actively, and improve their fluency and pronunciation. The study applied a qualitative phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences of five teachers in Santa Elena, Ecuador. Using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, teachers shared their insights on how puppets positively impacted engagement and willingness to relied on qualitative research, emphasizing subjective analysis and complex behaviors in natural educational settings. Semi-structured interviews provided flexibility, allowing teachers to elaborate on their experiences. The data collected highlighted that puppets are a dynamic tool that supports English language learning by fostering an interactive and motivating classroom atmosphere. Teachers recommended integrating puppetry regularly and combining it with other methods to sustain student interest and maximize learning outcomes.