“Puppets, Please!”: How Pretend Play Teaches for Real!
Kia ora whānau,
If you have ever watched a child lock eyes with a puppet and start chatting as though they are old friends, you have witnessed the quiet miracle educators call suspension of disbelief. In that moment, tamariki know—somewhere deep inside—that there is a human operating the creature, yet their imaginations gladly sign the permission slip that lets magic take the wheel. That leap of faith is more than adorable theatre. It is a powerhouse of learning.
Why suspension of disbelief matters…
When children accept a puppet as “real,” they are exercising the very muscles of creativity and critical thinking we hope to grow. They are practising empathy:
“How does Kōkako the bird feel today?”, perspective taking “What would I do if I were the brave taniwha?”, and storytelling skills that will serve them long after the last curtain call.
Fun ways to keep the magic alive
“Puppet Post” – Set up a mailbox where children can write or draw letters to a class puppet. Watch literacy motivation soar.
Voice Swap – Hand your puppet to a child and let them give it a brand new voice. Instant empowerment.
Problem Solver – When playground conflicts pop up, bring in a neutral puppet mediator. Distance helps feelings feel safer.
Culture in Focus – Craft puppets from natural materials and tell pūrākau (stories) that honour Aotearoa’s rich heritage.
Mystery Monday – Each week introduce a surprise puppet with a question or riddle. Curiosity sets the agenda for inquiry learning.
A note on teaching presence
The trick to sustaining suspension of disbelief is balance. Step in just enough to guide, then step back and let tamariki steer the story. Your knowing smile is all the reassurance they need that both worlds, the real and the imaginary, are welcome here.
Final curtain call
At Sugartree Lane we treasure every moment a child’s eyes widen in wonder. Puppets are simple props, yet they open grand stages where language, empathy, and curiosity dance together. Next time you see a tiny hand wiggle a felt character across the mat, remember you are looking at much more than play. You are watching learning take flight.
