This thesis presents the importance of transitions between daily activities for the youngest children and the role of a puppet as a pedagogical tool for their more effective
implementation. A child’s sense of security, engagement in activities, and overall development are closely linked to a structured, predictable, and stimulating environment.
The theoretical part first introduces the importance of daily routines in kindergarten, which help create a safe and stable environment for children. Special attention is given
to transitions between activities, which often present a challenge for the youngest children, as they are still developing an understanding of temporal sequences and the
ability to self-regulate. The discussion then focuses on play as a fundamental activity in early childhood and its various forms, highlighting its importance for the development of cognitive, social, linguistic, and emotional skills. The theoretical section concludes with an overview of art in the curriculum, emphasising puppet play as an effective pedagogical tool for encouraging communication, creativity, and relationships between the child and the adult, as well as supporting smoother transitions between activities.
This is followed by the empirical part, which includes the definition of the research problem, objectives, research questions, methods that are used, and the sample. In the practical section, we present the introduction of the puppet Biba into a group of the youngest children and its use in different parts of the daily routine (arrival and departure, mealtime, self-care, and rest). The impact of the puppet on transitions between activities and children’s responses is analysed through systematic observation.
The research results indicate that the presence of the puppet has a positive effect on communication, social interactions, the sense of emotional security, and the overall atmosphere in the group. The puppet serves as an important support in ensuring calm, smooth, and organised transitions between activities. Children accept the puppet as a confidant and a motivational tool, which contributes to greater engagement in activities and reduces resistance during transitions.
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