Bobby the Policeman is an eco-friendly hand puppet from The Puppet Company's ECO Sockettes range, crafted predominantly from recycled materials. Measuring 38cm tall, Bobby features a built-in squeaker in his tongue and a wide expressive mouth, making him a versatile and engaging tool for imaginative play, storytelling, and communication development from 18 months of age. How Bobby helps with communication and learning For children with dyslexia, speech and language difficulties, or other learning differences, puppets like Bobby offer a powerful route into spoken language. When a child speaks through or to a puppet, the pressure of direct communication is reduced, making it easier to practise words, sentences, and ideas without the fear of getting things wrong. Bobby's built-in squeaker adds a layer of interactive fun that naturally draws children into conversation and play. The wide mouth is designed to encourage exploration of different voices, sounds, and expressions, supporting phonological awareness, vocabulary development, and confidence in speaking. At 38cm, Bobby is large enough to make an impression but comfortable for children and adults to handle. Why Bobby works well in schools and early years settings Reduces communication anxiety: Puppets create a helpful distance between the child and the conversation, which is particularly valuable for children who find speaking aloud challenging or stressful. Supports structured storytelling activities: Bobby can be used in narrative sessions, circle time, and literacy interventions to help children practise sequencing, retelling, and expressive language. Suitable across EYFS, KS1, and SEND settings: With an age range starting from 18 months, Bobby works across Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and older SEND support groups. Eco-conscious purchasing: Made predominantly from recycled materials, Bobby supports schools and settings with a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Robust and easy to use: The knitted ECO Sockette design is durable enough for regular classroom use and straightforward to slip on without adult assistance. At home Bobby works just as well at home as he does in school. Parents supporting children with dyslexia or speech difficulties will find that introducing a puppet into reading aloud, sound practice, and storytelling activities can take the pressure off and make the experience genuinely enjoyable. The squeaker reliably goes down well with younger children. Why puppets support children with learning differences Research and classroom experience consistently show that puppets lower anxiety around speaking and reading tasks. For children with dyslexia, working memory demands can make reading aloud feel stressful. When a puppet mediates the activity, children often find it easier to engage, take turns, and experiment with language. Speech and language therapists regularly use puppets in intervention sessions for exactly this reason, and ECO Sockettes like Bobby are a practical, durable choice for regular use. Ready to add Bobby to your setting? Bobby the Policeman ECO Sockettes hand puppet is available now at The Dyslexia Shop. If you are buying for a school, nursery, or organisation and would like to discuss a bulk order, please contact the team directly.
