Peacemakers, Not Roarers

Title: Peacemakers, Not Roarers — Monster Puppet Skit for Young Children

Goal: Teach young children to notice when they feel like a “roar” (angry/upset) and practice peaceful choices: Stop, Breathe, Use Words, Share/Apologize, or Ask for Help.

Age range: 3–6 years
Time: 5–10 minutes (plus 5–10 minutes practice and questions)

Needed props (keep everything soft and child-safe):
– Two monster puppets or stuffed monster toys with different looks. Give them names: Roary (the Roarer) and Poppy (the Peacemaker).
– A small “calm buddy” stuffed animal (for breathing practice).
– Glitter calm jar (bottle with water + glitter + glue; sealed) or a sensory bottle.
– A soft ball or plush “talking stick.”
– A small cardboard “monster trap” or “time-in” box (decorated box with a lid labeled Calm Box).
– Feelings picture cards (happy, sad, mad, worried) or simple emotion faces on paper.
– A tiny bandage sticker sheet or paper “sorry” hearts (for making up).
– A gentle chime or small bell (to signal quiet time).
– Visual cue cards with 4 steps: Stop, Breathe, Tell, Help (laminated or on a small board).
– Optional: simple masks (one roaring face, one calm face) for children to try.

Setup:
– Sit in a circle or have children on carpet facing you.
– Place a small table or chair where the puppets and props are visible.
– Keep the calm jar and calm buddy within reach.
– Put the calm box and feeling cards near the puppets so you can point to them.

How to present the illustration (script and directions):
1) Warm-up (30 seconds)
– Greet children warmly. Show the two monsters: “This is Roary and this is Poppy!”
– Ask: “Can you show me your gentle hands?” (Children respond.)

2) Introduce the problem (1 minute)
– Bring out Roary puppet first. Use an exaggerated, loud, bouncy voice.
– Roary: “ROAR! Roary is mad because someone took my toy!” (Roary stomps, makes a little roar.)
– Let Roary accidentally knock a small block or toss a puppet foot to show upset (gentle, safe action).

3) Show the roar behavior and its effect (1 minute)
– Puppeteer acts as observer: “Oh no! Roary is roaring. When Roary roars, friends feel scared or sad.”
– Show a childlike reaction with Poppy: Poppy hides, looks sad.

4) Introduce peacemaking choice (1 minute)
– Bring out Poppy in a soft, calm voice: “I feel upset too, but I have a calm plan!”
– Show the visual cue cards: Stop, Breathe, Tell, Help. Hold each up and say it slowly.

5) Demonstrate calming tools (2–3 minutes)
– Stop: Show Roary pausing and putting on a mask that says “Pause.” Say: “When you feel like roaring, pause.”
– Breathe: Give Roary the calm buddy and demonstrate deep belly breaths: “Smell the flower (inhale), blow out the candle (exhale).” Have all children do it with you twice. Use the glitter jar: shake it and say “watch the glitter settle” while breathing slowly.
– Tell: Use the soft ball as talking stick. Show how you hold the ball and use words: Roary holds the ball and says, “I’m sad because I wanted the toy.” Then Poppy says, “I’m sorry. Can we take turns?” Encourage children to repeat simple phrases: “I feel mad” and “I’m sorry.”
– Help: Ring the gentle chime and say, “If you can’t fix it, ask a teacher or friend for help.”

6) Role-play the peaceful outcome (1 minute)
– Roary practices Stop-Breathe-Tell-Help. Roary gives the toy to Poppy for a turn and uses a sorry heart sticker. Poppy thanks Roary and they hug (or high-five gently).
– Emphasize: “Look — they became peacemakers, not roarers!”

7) Audience participation (2–3 minutes)
– Invite 2–3 children to try with the puppets or masks. Give each child the talking ball and a simple prompt: “You wanted the block. Say, ‘I feel mad’ and then blow for two breaths and say, ‘Can I have a turn?’”
– Praise attempts: “Great walking away, great breathing, great words!”

8) Quick summary and routine (30 seconds)
– Show the 4 cards again and have the children repeat the words together: Stop, Breathe, Tell, Help.
– Tell them the calm box is a place to put the roaring feeling for a little while: “When we feel a monster inside, we give it a quiet place and do our breathing until it’s calm.”

Tips for puppet acting and tone:
– Make Roary loud and exaggerated but never threatening. Use short roars and immediate pause to let children react.
– Keep Poppy calm, warm, and modeling words and gentle touch.
– Use repetition and small steps. Young children learn by doing, not by long explanations.
– Use clear, simple sentences and lots of praise.

Variations and extensions:
– Use the calm jar and a 1–2 minute guided glitter-watch every day as a classroom calming routine.
– Turn the 4-step cards into a song or chant with simple melody.
– Create a “Peacemaker badge” (sticker) children earn when they use words and calm down.

Safety and classroom management notes:
– Only one child interacts with the puppet at a time; keep props soft.
– Do not pressure children to role-play if they seem shy; they can be observers.
– Seal the glitter jar well and avoid small detachable parts for young children.

Closing:
– End by asking one question: “Who can be a peacemaker today?” Let kids shout or show their gentle hands. Hand out thank-you or sorry stickers if you use them.

This short, prop-based puppet illustration gives children a memorable, active way to identify “monster” feelings and practice being peacemakers instead of roarers.