The art of puppetry is defined and techniques for using puppetry to improve self-concept of the exceptional (handicapped or gifted) child are explained. Definitions of puppetry are summarized into three basic concepts: puppets are symbols, non-persons; puppetry is a two-way communication medium; and improved feelings of self-worth may be internalized with this technique. The educational use of puppetry is discussed in terms of structure (consistency of the puppet's personality), expanding the concept (such as addition of new characters), imagination and creative thinking, role-playing, and as an historical educational tool (including puppetry for language arts enrichment). (SBH)