It means becoming more skilled as a communicator and a presenter of information. When all the old-model trappings of traditional puppetry fall away, teachers suddenly see the potential in the use of puppets. We intend to make this secret known to unlock the creative potential of the American classroom. If that statement seems overstated and grandiose, consider the emotional state of intelligence in our schools. Students and teachers alike exist in highly controlled, linear, speech-intensive reality.
Many kids are bored, desk-bound, test subjects.
Yes, if a teacher has fully grasped and integrated the puppets into lessons and teaching style, then a class puppet show or project is of course one option. I would suggest purposefully avoiding this application because it tends to lock people in and prevents them from experiencing a more open and natural experience with the puppets. In a word, there is a remarkable 'puppet show' inherent in the dynamic between all three parties-one that is much easier to implement. The Lab is based on a true convergence of elements that make it one of the most exciting programs in on-line teacher education today. In the Lab you can watch teachers learning to use or work with a powerful communication medium.