Fostering Social-Emotional Learning through the Power of Puppets

Strelitz International Academy students from Virginia Beach, Virginia were so moved by Operation Smile’s new interactive education program that they began raising money for the cause.

The “The Puppet Pals Smile Show” from Operation Smile’s Interactive Learning Center explores the heartwarming yet challenging stories of children affected by cleft lip and palate. With scripts and music co-developed with Virginia playwrights and musicians, this program for young audiences features professionally-produced puppets crafted with cleft lip and cleft palate features, and teaches young learners about critical topics such as empathy, bullying, overcoming fear, culture, career exploration and global health care. 

Entertainment as Education

“Mental, Emotional and Social Health (MESH) is at the forefront of the conversation about youth comprehensive well-being,” says Philip Odango, director of Operation Smile’s Interactive Learning Center. “The role of puppetry as edutainment to reach, comfort and inform young audiences helps us connect these future leaders to roots of compassion and empathy in their social-emotional learning, through the lens of Operation Smile’s commitment to global health.” 

The International Baccalaureate second graders are assigned an “action project” related to showing care for others, with a goal of fundraising $240, according to their teacher Meredith Carnaza.

“One of my students quoted the puppet show and talked about empathy today,” says Carnanza. “That felt like they understood empathy more by the time they left, and they wanted to help.” 

Students created posters, charity boxes for carpool and after-school programs, and spoke about the importance of raising money for surgery for cleft lip and palate in the school news. 

“Storytelling is a powerful intervention tool,” says Odango, whose diversity and inclusion advocacy and theater experience spans over 50 productions as a director and producer. “Placing the conversation of respect and acceptance of cultural and physical differences right into these young hearts and minds will hopefully foster a more empathy-oriented generation.”

Representation Matters

Jackson Doane is one of the show’s puppeteers, embodying the character Juanchi, from Paraguay. What makes this experience even more special is that Jackson also received surgery for his bilateral cleft lip and palate, making him able to relate to his character on a deeper level.

The students had the opportunity to meet Jackson and speak to him about his personal journey. Their teacher, Meredith, felt it was great for them to see someone and hear their real life experiences.

“I got involved because I saw the value in taking Operation Smile’s mission and making it digestible for a younger audience,” says Doane. 

The show has five different characters, according to Jackson. Each show explores unique themes for viewers and the opportunity to experience diverse cultures with special characters. 

“We’re able to tell a patient’s story while also protecting their dignity by using a puppet as a vessel to tell their story,” says Doane.

“Kids are able to critically think about topics like mental health and empathy. The Smile Show puppets allow students to see someone who has visible differences,” says Doane. 

“It’s so visceral, even though it’s a puppet, kids have such a positive reaction to the work that Operation Smile does,” he said. “and I think that’s really powerful to see how that work is being recognized.”

Rosemont Boys and Girls Club Program Director, E.J. Ferguson brought in kids from the club to watch the puppet show and they left knowing what the word “empathy” meant and how other people feel and being open to seeing how others feel, he said. 

“We’re working on our older kids to come in and see the show too just because the word ‘empathy’ is such a strong word,” says Ferguson. “It gets us by in the world today, just caring about everybody else.” 

Journeying to Transform Young Hearts and Minds

In addition to Strelitz International Academy and the Boys and Girls Club, the ILC also brought the experience to Title I school Green Run Elementary. 

Although the school is only a five-minute drive from Operation Smile Headquarters, first-grade teacher Kathleen McCoy said about the experience: “It was educational and informative on a topic that most young students would never be exposed to.”

“The Puppet Pals Smile Show” serves as a powerful example of how storytelling and education can inspire children to make a positive difference in the world.”

The show is in-demand and is being booked in schools and community centers beyond Hampton Roads. This groundbreaking Operation Smile initiative has left a significant impact on students, fostering empathy, understanding and a commitment to helping others. Through relatable characters and real-life connections, the show educates young learners about cleft lip and palate while encouraging them to take action. 

To book a puppet show for an elementary school group, sign up here.