In one first-grade classroom, puppets teach children to 'shake out the yuck'

First-grade teacher Leticia Denoya uses puppets, as part of the Feel Your Best Self program developed at the University of Connecticut, to help students deal with emotions. (Ryan T. Conaty for NPR)

Teacher Leticia Denoya stands at the front of her classroom, at Natchaug Elementary in Windham, Conn. Her first-graders sit criss-cross applesauce on the reading rug.

"Do you remember last week, we worked with our puppets and we learned a new strategy?"