How Kasperl helps out in the kindergarten written by Nina Silva Lovera

Kasperl and Seppl are the main characters of the traditional German puppet theater, who experience adventures in humorous and often educational stories. Kasperl is the brave and clever hero, while Seppl often plays the calmer and more sensible role as the faithful companion. In many cultures, there are similar puppet theater characters to Kasperl and Seppl, who take on the role of clown or hero. Comparable figures in other countries: 

Italy: Pulcinella and Arlecchino

Great Britain: Punch and Judy

Spain: Don Cristóbal and Doña Perfecta

France: Guignol

Poland: Zorro or Kubuś Puchatek

Russia: Petrushka

Czech Republic: Spejbl and Hurvínek)

There was a loud crash as the stone flew into the window of the workshop next door. The three boys on the climbing tower quickly hid behind the wooden fence, however, the neighbor was obviously not there because nothing happened. Only the kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Schmolz, rushed to the window and looked around angrily. She noticed the three children in their hiding place and immediately realized what had happened. She called the three of them to her in a brisk voice: “Joris, Marlo, Alexander! Get down from there now!” They climbed down unsteadily and trotted over to her. “So? What happened?” “It was him!” Joris said quickly, pointing at Alexander. Marlo nodded eagerly and mumbled, “Exactly.” Alexander widened his eyes and defended himself: “But Joris told me to throw the stone!” “Yes? And don't you know that throwing a stone is wrong?” “Yes, I do,” Alexander admitted, looking down at the floor in shame. “I'm sorry.” “You'll have to apologize to the neighbor.” Turning to Joris, the teacher said sternly: “You're two years older than those two, Joris! You should be a role model and not ask them to do such nonsense!” “It was just a joke! I didn't mean it seriously at all. But suddenly the glass was broken! I can't help it,” the boy claimed and Mrs. Schmolz could see that he wasn't really sorry at all. The next day, the teacher called out after breakfast: “Now, all the children are going to the gym! Today Kasperl is visiting us with his friend Seppl. Each child finds a place on the mat and sits down quietly!” The children sat down on the mat in an astonishingly orderly fashion and looked excitedly at the curtain that Mrs. Schmolz had prepared with her colleague. Shortly afterwards, it opened and Kasperl and Seppl teased each other loudly. The children thought it was funny, but when Kasperl then said to Seppl: “Seppl, steal a cookie from Grandma when she's not looking!”, everyone was outraged. Seppl didn't want to, but when Kasperl told him, he would be a scaredy-cat if he didn't do it, he sneaked up to steal the cookie. The young audience warned Grandma loudly, but she didn't hear their warning. Seppl stole the cookie and also stole a cake and a basket of fruit because Kasperl wanted him to, as he wasn't a scaredy-cat. After Grandma noticed the theft, she sat very sad and hungry at the edge of the stage while Seppl and Kasperl secretly wanted to share the loot. At that moment, a boy shouted: “That's no good! You two are mean! Kasperl, how can you be so nasty?” It was Joris and now Alexander also had the courage to say: “And Seppl: you're not allowed to steal things! Even if Kasperl told you to do it, surely you know you're not supposed to!” Marlo also got up and explained to Seppl quietly but firmly: “Look, Grandma's all sad and hungry now.” Joris sat down next to Grandma, held her little hand and whispered to her: “Don’t worry, we told them. They'll give your things back. You don't have to be sad anymore.” Mrs. Schmolz sat behind the mat and was happy. Kasperl was a fine nursery school helper after all. 

In our project "Stories 4 Empowerment of all", we use the power of storytelling to work with adults on different values and competencies. Check it out: 

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