The COVID-19 crisis has brought up hard feelings for all of us – teachers, families and children. Early childhood educators know their role is supporting children’s ability to recognize and name their feelings. They also have new opportunities to empathize with families and help parents manage their own feelings about recent changes.
Glenn Peters is a pre-K teacher in NYC. At the onset of remote learning, Glenn searched for a way to connect with his students and families so he could address the many questions he knew were on their minds.
Glenn kept a box of Punch & Judy style puppets sequestered away beneath his bed, lying dormant for many years. Fortunately for the early childhood community, Glenn woke the sleeping puppet family to create Bebe Kingdom, introducing us to King Bebe, Queen Bebe, and Prince Dukke as they grappled with the new normal. The resulting puppet shows address the following questions:
How does a young child structure their time while staying at home?
How do young children address the loss of social interactions?
What strategies do families employ when they leave the house to shop for groceries?
Glenn’s unique approach presents a vehicle for children to explore their questions and feelings in a time of uncertainty and change. The puppet shows also give families practical strategies for managing remote learning.
We hope that you will enjoy the adventures of Bebe Kingdom. How will you share this resource with your students and their families? We look forward to hearing your comments and feedback in the section below!
Glenn-
This is wonderful. Touches on topics we are all experiencing – from young to older and done with wit, cleverness and humor. Have forwarded to friends with preschool
children and it is helping them navigate these difficult times as well as inspired many puppet theater activities!
Thank you!
Vicky (from summer camp at Y-)
Glenn! Loves these and you are a great teacher. Amir loves the Bebe shows. Can’t wait for more!
This is fantastic and very very funny. I hope he keeps producing these videos, they are wonderful!
Genius. From one NYC early childhood teacher to another, kudos, bravissimo! I loved the part about the fruit juice…running down the hall to slam the bathroom door… The giant cat…paper products head banging boredom…paper towel roll titles…psychedelic effects etc etc etc!
And someone out here knows that it took you MANY MANY HOURS to put this together.
Even though everything is YUCK (except your videos), you gave me a real smile (as opposed to the strained smile I have on a zoom classroom meeting when a child begins brandishing a large sword and no one seems to be around to take it away). Thanks Glenn, keep up the good work!
I absolutely love this!! And I miss you dear brother. We should collab!
Your loving sister, Masha
From Three Sisters