Start by making simple puppets with preschool children out of socks and various materials such as googly eyes, markers, pieces of felt and string. Allow the children to be creative when making their sock puppets. When finished, name the puppets and put them in a safe play to use later.
Set up a stage or area of focus to use puppets. Position the children facing the area and create a comfortable environment that keeps their attention. Arrange materials needed for the puppet show such as a variety of puppets, props or music.
Select a story or theme to use for your puppet show. If you want to teach a lesson, prepare information before conducting the puppet show. To share a story through puppets, have the book with you to aid in telling the story.
Start the puppet show and use the puppets to express feelings and actions. Stay in character while using the puppets to help the children focus on the puppets and not be distracted. Use your hands as well as arms and shoulders to help move the puppets and animate them.
Encourage the students to participate in the puppet show by using the puppets to ask questions of the audience. When the puppet is deciding what to do, have the puppet ask the children to encourage them to talk and interact with the puppets.
When finished with the puppet show, have the preschool students use their own sock puppets to create their own puppet shows for the other children. Let the children take turns using the stage area while the others pay attention and listen to each other.