In this thesis, I investigated the role of the puppet in the social relationships between kindergarten children during their daily routines, as well as how the puppet aids the integration of reticent children into the group. I observed how children experience and express their emotions, also monitoring their reactions upon their interaction with the puppet and the involvement of the puppet in different activities.
The theoretical part includes a definitions of daily routine, the kindergarten curriculum, and hidden curriculum. It describes the significance of the puppet for the child during playtime with the puppet, the child's social and emotional development, and the development of social skills. Finally, it defines the significance of the puppet and art for the child as well as the educator's role in integrating the puppet.
The empirical part presents a one-month reflective diary. Taking part in the research were children from the Ladybugs group, who were 1–2 years of age, and the group's puppet named Liza. Puppet Liza became an important part of the daily activities and helped improve the social skills, empathy, creativity, and confidence of the children in the group.
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