Buttons is a brightly coloured monster hand puppet from The Puppet Company's ECO Sockettes range, made from 89% recycled materials. Measuring 38cm tall with contrasting fur, chunky decorative buttons, and an embroidered face full of personality, Buttons 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 Buttons helps with communication and learning For children with dyslexia, speech and language difficulties, or other learning differences, puppets like Buttons offer a low-pressure route into spoken language. When a child speaks through or to a puppet, the anxiety around direct communication reduces, making it easier to practise words, sentences, and ideas. Buttons' bold, eye-catching design naturally draws children in, and his built-in squeaker adds an element of surprise that keeps younger children engaged. The wide mouth encourages children to explore different voices, sounds, and expressions, supporting phonological awareness, vocabulary development, and confidence in speaking. Monster characters are particularly effective in early years settings because children often find it easier to project emotions and ideas onto an exaggerated, fantastical character rather than a realistic one. Why Buttons works well in schools and early years settings Reduces speaking anxiety: Puppets create a helpful distance between the child and the conversation, which is especially valuable for children who find speaking aloud stressful or who are reluctant communicators. Supports emotions and social skills work: Monster characters are well suited to sessions exploring feelings, social scenarios, and emotional vocabulary, giving children a safe and engaging way to talk through experiences. Suitable across EYFS, KS1, and SEND settings: With a starting age of 18 months, Buttons works across Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and older SEND support groups where imaginative play remains a core tool. Eco-conscious purchasing: Made from 89% recycled materials, Buttons supports schools and settings with a commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible procurement. Durable and easy to handle: The knitted ECO Sockette construction is robust enough for regular classroom use and simple to slip on without adult assistance. At home Buttons is equally at home on the kitchen table as he is in the classroom. Parents supporting children with dyslexia or communication difficulties at home will find that introducing a puppet into reading aloud, sound practice, and storytelling can take the pressure off and make the whole experience more enjoyable. The squeaker is invariably a hit with younger children. Why puppets support children with learning differences Research and classroom experience consistently show that puppets reduce anxiety around speaking and reading tasks. For children with dyslexia, working memory demands can make reading aloud feel daunting. When a puppet mediates the activity, children often find it easier to engage, take turns, and experiment with language without fear of getting things wrong. Speech and language therapists regularly incorporate puppets into intervention sessions for exactly this reason, and the ECO Sockettes range offers a durable, responsibly made choice for settings that use puppets regularly. Ready to add Buttons to your setting? Buttons the ECO Sockettes monster 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.
