I have used puppets for various subjects in the classroom so the children are used to the concept of the puppet talking.

We discussed how the puppeteer has to make the puppet speak. We brainstormed questions that we could ask a puppet. I split the class into mixed ability pairs and each pair was allowed to choose a finger puppet.

The children took turns to ask questions and to be the puppeteer. I visited pairs of children as they talked to the puppet. I also asked the puppet questions. I was amazed at how quickly the children became proficient with the puppet.

I teach a reception class but I think this could be useful for lots of age groups.