Between May and October 2026, Animate toured a brand new workshop program specifically created for KS2 children focused on Wellbeing. 

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Animate visited 11 schools across Hampshire, hosting 62 workshops and working with 898 children.

 

The 'Puppetry & Wellbeing Project' offered a hands-on introduction to puppetry as a tool for expression and connection. Pupils were taught how to make their own simple puppets out of paper, before exploring storytelling, characterisation, and emotion to create short scenes to share with the rest of the class. Each participant also received a free 'Make-it-at-home' puppetry kit.

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The aims of the project were to:

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• Nurture empathy & creativity

• Build confidence & resilience

• Spread joy & spark imagination

• Develop communication (verbal and non-verbal) and collaboration skills

• Support emotional wellbeing through playful creativity

• Strengthen personal & social development. 

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Animate received widespread praise for this project. Selected feedback is below:

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"One student who is ordinarily selective mute joined in 100%" Halterworth Primary School

"What struck me the most was how much enjoyment was being had. There was so much laughter and I just think that is really important" Halterworth Primary School
 

"Children with a dislike to traditional learning thrived in this workshop" Oliver's Battery Primary School

"The children truly warmed up to each activity and really pushed their creativity. The most interactive workshop with great outcomes" North Waltham Primary School

"2 of our SEN children are usually reluctant to take part in any noisy or unfamiliar activities. Both children took part in the whole session with no intervention" Stoneham Primary School

"Every single child was FULLY engaged and children who wouldn't usually 'play' together were sharing and laughing between groups" Barton Farm Primary School

 

"Huge thanks to the Animate team for such a fun and enriching experience" High March School

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Animate will be applying for more funding to continue this project in 2027. Schools that wish to take part in a future iteration will need to email contact@animatepuppetco.com