Puppets on a string

Youngsters at Hunters Bar Infants welcomed master puppeteer Ron Wood from Chesterfield, who put on a show featuring a range of characters, including the classic Punch and Judy.

The children also enjoyed traditional stories brought to life by the marionettes, such as Cinderella and Snow White.

After a performance for the whole school, individual sessions were held in classes targeted at the older Y2 youngsters.

The idea was that the performances would inspire the six and seven-year-olds to understand how a narrative was put together.

Then they were challenged to write their own stories and act them out using role play.

"It was the first time we had used a puppet show in this way to help develop literacy skills," explained teacher Pauline Hodkinson.

"Mr Wood was very good in explaining how styles of humour have changed over the years. The children were told that in Victorian times it was fine to make fun of ugly or disfigured people, or to laugh at violence like throwing the baby out of the window. But things were different now.

"We expect the day will produce some excellent work and the children certainly enjoyed themselves," Pauline added.

What do you think? Post your comments below.