Stitching stories: Felt creations for language and play - Te tuitui kōrero: He taonga waihanga mō te reo me te tākaro - Christchurch

Christchurch - Saturday 3 October 2026 - 9am-1pm

In this hands-on workshop you will learn to make some new resources to support children’s language development and imaginative play. With a focus on creating with felt and thread, you will make finger puppets or characters to illustrate a favourite story. Whether you want to choose from our ideas or come along with some ideas of your own, we can support you to learn basic skills which will empower you to create appealing storytelling props that children will love. Felt, thread and some pattern ideas will be provided.

This workshop will appeal to tauira and to ECE kaiako working with tamariki of all ages.

You will learn new skills with felt, needle and thread and be supported to create a new resource to share with tamariki. We hope you will be inspired with ideas to develop further resources in the future to strengthen your practice in oral storytelling/language development and imaginative play for children of all ages.

Presenter: Sherideen Lange - Course Leader & Lecturer | Kaiārahi Marautanga & Kaiako Te Rito Maioha ECNZ

Sherideen began her journey as an infant and toddler teacher and now serves as a Course Leader and Lecturer at Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand based in Ōtautahi. With a background in infant and toddler teaching and a deep interest in emotional literacy and neuroscience, she brings warmth, insight, and practical wisdom to her work with tauira and kaiako. Sherideen is committed to creating respectful, loving learning environments where tamariki — and those who teach them — can thrive.