The Wizard ECO Sockettes hand puppet from The Puppet Company is a captivating mystical character made from 99% recycled materials. Measuring 38cm tall, the Wizard features a detailed starry hat, a signature cape, bright blue and yellow colouring with contrasting white fur, embroidered eyes, and a friendly face. A built-in squeaker in his tongue and a wide, expressive mouth make him an engaging and interactive tool for fantasy storytelling, imaginative play, and communication development. Suitable for children aged 18 months and above and loved by adults too, the Wizard makes an instant impact in any setting.

How the Wizard helps with communication and learning

For children with dyslexia, speech and language difficulties, or other learning differences, puppets offer a low-pressure route into spoken language. When a child speaks through or to a puppet, the anxiety of direct communication reduces, making it easier to practise words, sentences, and ideas. The Wizard's fantasy character is an exceptionally powerful motivator for storytelling - children who resist conventional communication activities will often engage enthusiastically when magic, spells, and wizards are involved, because the imaginary world feels liberating rather than exposing.

Fantasy narratives also provide some of the richest vocabulary and descriptive language opportunities available in primary literacy, with vivid settings, invented words, and cause-and-effect sequences that build comprehension and expressive language skills in an absorbing, self-motivated way. The wide mouth and built-in squeaker actively encourage bold voice play and character voices, making the Wizard a particularly strong choice for phonological awareness and confidence in speaking.

Why the Wizard works well in schools and early years settings

• Exceptional stimulus for fantasy and creative writing: Magic and wizardry are among the most powerfully motivating themes for reluctant readers and writers. The Wizard gives children a vivid, familiar character type to anchor fantasy stories around, supporting narrative development, descriptive vocabulary, and creative language work.
• Supports invented language and phonological play: Spells, incantations, and magical language invite children to play with sounds, invented words, and rhythm in a way that is explicitly sanctioned by the character - making the Wizard a natural partner for phonological awareness activities that feel like play rather than work.
• Reduces speaking anxiety through fantasy framing: Fantasy characters create a strong imaginative distance between the child and the activity, making it easier for children with dyslexia or communication difficulties to speak confidently in character without the self-consciousness of direct communication.
• Outstanding eco credentials: Made from 99% recycled materials, the Wizard is among the most sustainably produced puppets in the ECO Sockettes range, making him an excellent choice for schools and settings with environmental procurement policies.
• Suitable across EYFS, KS1, and SEND settings: With an age range starting from 18 months, the Wizard works across Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and older SEND support groups where fantasy, storytelling, and puppet-based activities remain effective communication and literacy tools.

At home

The Wizard is just as effective at home as he is in school. Parents supporting children with dyslexia or communication difficulties will find that a wizard character has a remarkable ability to get reluctant participants engaged. Few children can resist the invitation to cast a spell, invent a potion, or narrate an adventure when a wizard is involved, and that self-motivated engagement is exactly the context in which language development flourishes most naturally.

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, the demands of reading aloud or retelling a story can feel daunting. When a puppet mediates the activity, children typically find it easier to engage, take turns, and experiment with language. Fantasy-themed storytelling in particular is well supported by research as an effective approach for building narrative skills and vocabulary in children with dyslexia. The Wizard's 99% recycled construction also makes him a responsible, durable choice for settings that use puppets regularly.

Ready to add the Wizard to your setting?

The Wizard 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.

• Made from 99% recycled materials: One of the most sustainably produced puppets in The Puppet Company's ECO Sockettes range, supporting environmentally responsible purchasing for schools and families.
• Built-in tongue squeaker: Encourages interactive play and draws children into vocal and communication activities naturally.
• Wide expressive mouth: Supports bold voice play, character voices, and fantasy storytelling, making the Wizard a practical tool for phonological awareness and speech and language work.
• Mystical character design: Detailed starry hat, signature cape, bright blue and yellow body with contrasting white fur, and embroidered eyes - visually striking and instantly recognisable as a fantasy wizard character.
• Dimensions: Height 38cm x Width 14cm x Length 13cm.
• Age suitability: Suitable for children aged 18 months and above; appropriate for adults in professional and therapeutic settings.
• What's included: 1 x Wizard ECO Sockettes hand puppet.
• Brand: The Puppet Company
• SKU/MPN: PC007039

• What is the Wizard ECO Sockettes puppet?
  The Wizard ECO Sockettes is a 38cm hand puppet from The Puppet Company, made from 99% recycled materials. He features a detailed starry hat, signature cape, bright blue and yellow colouring with contrasting white fur, embroidered eyes, and a built-in tongue squeaker. Suitable for children aged 18 months and above, the Wizard is a captivating fantasy character with strong appeal across all ages.
• How does the Wizard puppet help children with dyslexia or communication difficulties?
  The Wizard ECO Sockettes puppet helps children with dyslexia and communication difficulties by providing one of the most powerfully motivating contexts for storytelling and language development. Fantasy characters create a liberating imaginative distance from everyday communication, making it easier for children to speak confidently in character. The Wizard's mystical theme also naturally invites invented language, spell-casting, and rich descriptive vocabulary that build key literacy skills.
• What age is the Wizard ECO Sockettes puppet suitable for?
  The Wizard ECO Sockettes puppet is suitable for children aged 18 months and above. He is used by early years practitioners, Key Stage 1 teachers, and SEND support staff, and is equally appropriate for adults using the Wizard in a therapeutic or professional context.
• Is the Wizard puppet suitable for classroom or school use?
  Yes, the Wizard ECO Sockettes puppet is well suited to classroom use. His fantasy character makes him a strong stimulus for creative writing, narrative development, descriptive vocabulary work, and phonological play, as well as circle time, storytelling, literacy interventions, and speech and language support sessions.
• Is the Wizard ECO Sockettes puppet eco-friendly?
  Yes, the Wizard is made from 99% recycled materials, placing him among the most sustainably produced puppets in The Puppet Company's ECO Sockettes range. He is an excellent choice for schools and settings with environmental or sustainable procurement policies.
• Can the Wizard puppet be used in speech and language therapy?
  Yes, hand puppets including the Wizard ECO Sockettes are used by speech and language therapists and SENCOs to support children with communication difficulties. The Wizard's fantasy character is particularly effective for phonological play and invented language activities, and for encouraging children who are reluctant to speak in direct communication contexts to express themselves through imaginative play.
• How big is the Wizard ECO Sockettes puppet?
  The Wizard measures 38cm in height, 14cm in width, and 13cm in length. This size makes him comfortable to fit over an adult hand and visually impactful enough for group storytelling and classroom activities.
• Does the Wizard ECO Sockettes puppet have a squeaker?
  Yes, the Wizard has a built-in squeaker in his tongue. The squeaker adds to his magical character and is particularly effective at drawing children into bold, expressive vocal play and interactive communication activities.