Can Theatre Transform the Way Children Learn? | Walter Peter | Ep 15

Can theatre transform the way children learn? Can storytelling, play, and creative expression help children become more confident, curious, and comfortable with making mistakes? In Episode 15 of Development Wala’s Decoding India’s Social Sector, Kumar Preetam Puri speak with Walter Peter, Founder Director of Laa Po Laa TIE India, a theatre practitioner and educator who has spent over three decades exploring the role of Theatre-in-Education in children's learning and development. Through his work with children, teachers, schools, and communities, Walter has been using theatre as more than a form of performance. His approach explores how theatre can create opportunities for children to express themselves, work together, ask questions, and learn through experience. In this conversation, we explore why children are often afraid of making mistakes, how the fear of being judged can affect their learning, and what educators can do to create environments where children feel safe to experiment and discover. In this episode, we discuss: Why are children afraid of making mistakes? How does the fear of getting things wrong affect curiosity and confidence? What is Theatre-in-Education, and how is it different from performing a school play? How can theatre, storytelling, and games become tools for learning? What does it mean to move from “Me to We” through collaboration and empathy? How can teachers make classrooms more participatory and engaging? What role can art-integrated learning play in transforming education? What can educators and development professionals learn from theatre-based approaches? This conversation invites us to rethink education beyond marks, examinations, and correct answers. Perhaps the question is not simply how children can learn better, but whether we are creating environments where they feel comfortable enough to try, fail, and try again. Because learning should not be about being afraid of getting things wrong. It should be about having the confidence to explore what is possible. Listen it on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MZJ... Signup as a guest: https://developmentwala.com/podcast/ About Development Wala Decoding India’s Social Sector is a podcast by Development Wala that brings together practitioners, founders, educators, researchers, and leaders working across India’s social and development sector. Through thoughtful, experience-led conversations, we explore the realities of social change, the challenges faced by practitioners, and the ideas shaping India's development journey. If you work in education, teach children, or are interested in the social sector, we hope this episode gives you something new to reflect on. Enjoyed the conversation? Like this video, share it with someone working in education, and subscribe to Development Wala for more conversations on India’s social sector. #DevelopmentWala #DecodingIndiasSocialSector #WalterPeter #TheatreInEducation #EducationInIndia #ChildDevelopment #ExperientialLearning #ArtIntegratedLearning