preschoolers recently became totally involved in their school production of Jonah and the Whale.

Under the watchful eyes of their teachers, children created their own sound effects using simple preschool objects.

The eager sound technicians delighted in banging unit blocks together to create Jonah's footsteps, splashing their hands in the water tray to replicate the sounds of the ocean and, using their own voices, creating a howling sound.

Once all sounds were recorded on audio-tape, the children learned how to use the puppets.

Teacher Angela Purcell assisted these youngsters in making paper puppets, an art form which fascinates young children. According to Mrs. Lamb, preschoolers are naturally tactile kinesthetic in their learning.

Puppets provide an opportunity to refine their fine motor skills and manual control. Puppets are excellent tools for children to express feelings through a character creation.

"All children can be involved without feelings of self-consciousness. This kind of socio-dramatic play is essential for young children in developing effective communication and expressing thought,'' said Mrs. Lamb The production will be held at St. David's Preschool on Friday, February 26, 1999 at 11:00 a.m.

Puppeteers: Teacher-in-charge, Ruby Lamb on right, and Roseann Pitcher on left, pose with their young students at St. David's Preschool.

EDUCATION MONTH MINI SUPPLEMENT ED