When teachers noticed that children in Oakland preschool and kindergarten classrooms were not engaging in imaginative play or interacting with each other as much after the pandemic, staff at Children’s Fairyland, a local theme park, turned to an old favorite — puppets.

Children and adults have been enthralled by Fairyland’s handmade puppets and original puppet shows for decades. Now, they can try their own hand at puppetry and bring their own stories to life.

How does puppetry and other imaginative play help children learn and grow? And how can schools use this type of arts education in the classroom?

Guests:
Jacqui June Whitlock, Puppet education specialist, Children’s Fairyland
Karen D’Souza, Reporter, EdSource