Using puppetry in a coordinated school health program.

Educators and clinicians are continually searching for innovative methodologies that promote positive health behaviors, that are age and developmentally appropriate, and that are fun. Puppetry meets these criteria. Puppetry is a creative learning methodology that stimulates learning through play. Various types of puppets are identified and a summary of the ways in which puppets may be used in a coordinated school health program to enhance positive health behaviors is presented. While many individuals attest to the value of using puppets, research should be conducted to assess effectiveness of puppetry on health knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors.