SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF COMMUNICATION IN KINDERGARTEN INITIATED BY THE USE OF STAGE PUPPETS

Abstract

Communication in kindergarten is crucial in the social interaction of children, but it is also important for the overall development of the child. The role of stage puppets in the educational and upbringing process in preschool institutions is recognized not only in the artistic dimension but also in the overall development of the child's personality, especially in the development of speech and communication. The theoretical foundation of the work includes the concepts of communication, stage puppets, and methods of stage communication. In this empirical research, which is part of a wider research conducted with 125 respondents - preschool teachers from the Center for Preschool Education and Upbringing Banja Luka, the aim was to determine the representation of specific aspects of communication initiated by the use of stage puppets and recommendations for their improvement from the perspective of preschool teachers. Data were collected in 2023 through surveys, scaling and interviewing, with the help of self-created research instruments. The results confirm that stage puppets stimulate preschool children's communication not only during dramatic play but also through everyday activities, where the puppet takes on the role of an animator, motivator, and facilitator. The pedagogical implications highlight the importance of integrating stage puppets into daily educational activities to enhance children's communication and engagement.