Teachers Acting Like Kids

There's a moment in every classroom where the air changes — when the teacher slips into a role that feels so far from their usual self, yet so perfectly aligned with the needs of the students. I remember one such moment in a 5th grade drama class when I, as the teacher, crouched on the floor, squeaking like a mouse and pretending to hide from a pretend lion I had drawn on the wall. The kids erupted in laughter, and for the first time that week, they were fully present, fully engaged. It wasn't just a silly act — it was a deliberate choice to 'act like kids,' a powerful strategy that can transform how students learn, connect, and grow.

When teachers choose to 'act like kids,' they're not just playing games. They're tapping into a fundamental truth: children learn best through embodiment, imitation, and emotional connection. In my first year of teaching, I tried a scripted lesson about empathy, and it flopped. Later, I tried pretending to be a shy student who never wanted to speak up, and the classroom transformed into a place of understanding and curiosity. That was the moment I realized that 'acting like kids' is not a gimmick — it's a method that builds trust, deepens learning, and makes abstract ideas tangible.

This article is for teachers who are ready to break free from the monotony of lecture-based instruction and instead become co-creators in the learning journey. Whether you're teaching drama, literacy, or social-emotional learning, 'acting like kids' is a technique that can be adapted across the curriculum. I've tested this approach in over 30 classrooms with students ranging from 3 to 12 years old, and the results have been consistent: increased engagement, deeper comprehension, and stronger relationships between teachers and students. Let's explore why this technique works — and how you can use it in your classroom.

What Does It Mean to 'Act Like Kids'?

As of August 2026, when I first started using the 'acting like kids' approach, I was surprised by how quickly students responded. It wasn't just about the teacher being silly — it was about modeling vulnerability, curiosity, and emotional honesty. In one session, I pretended to be a student who was scared to present in front of the class. Instead of trying to explain the fear, I showed it through body language, voice, and hesitation. The students recognized the emotion instantly and began to share their own fears with me. This kind of modeling creates a safe space for learning.

Research shows that children learn best when they can relate new information to their own experiences. By acting like kids, teachers provide a bridge between the abstract and the real. When I pretend to be confused about a math problem, students feel more comfortable admitting their own confusion. When I act out a character from a story, students are more likely to engage with the narrative. It's not about being childish — it's about being human, and in doing so, making learning more relatable.^[1]

One of the most powerful aspects of this technique is that it allows teachers to demonstrate, rather than just explain. I've noticed that when I act out a scene from a book or a situation from the classroom, students are more likely to remember the lesson. They can see the behavior, feel the emotion, and internalize the message. It's a form of teaching that's both engaging and effective.

Part of our What should i be teaching my kids guide.

The Science Behind 'Acting Like Kids'

A 2021 study from the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who experienced lessons where teachers used role-play and embodied learning showed a 28% increase in comprehension scores compared to those who only received traditional instruction. This aligns with what I've seen in my classroom — when I act out scenarios, students are more likely to remember the lessons and apply them in real life.^[2]

Another study from the University of Chicago found that students who had teachers who used role-playing techniques were more likely to take risks, ask questions, and engage in discussions. This is particularly important in subjects like literature, where emotional connection is key. When students see their teacher acting like a character in a book, they're more likely to imagine themselves in the same situation.^[3]

In my own teaching practice, I've observed that students who are struggling with self-expression or emotional regulation often respond positively to teachers who model vulnerability. When I pretend to be nervous about speaking in front of the class, I'm not just acting — I'm creating a safe space for students to share their own feelings. It's a powerful tool for social-emotional learning.

When teachers act like kids, they're not just teaching — they're modeling, connecting, and creating a space for real learning to happen.

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How to Use 'Acting Like Kids' in the Classroom

I use 'acting like kids' in my classroom in several ways, depending on the lesson. For a literature unit, I might pretend to be a character from the book to help students understand the emotions and motivations behind their actions. For a social studies lesson, I might act out a historical figure's experience to make the topic more tangible. Each time, I choose the role that best fits the lesson and the needs of the students.

One of the most effective ways I've used this technique is during social-emotional learning sessions. When I pretend to be a student who is struggling with anxiety or anger, it helps other students understand how to respond in those situations. I've found that when students see me modeling these behaviors, they're more likely to be empathetic and supportive of their peers.

I also use this technique for conflict resolution. If students are having a disagreement, I'll act out the situation from both perspectives and ask the class how they think I should handle it. This helps them see the issue from multiple angles and find a solution that works for everyone.

“There's a moment in every classroom where the air changes — when the teacher slips into a role that feels so far from their usual…”— Teaching Drama to Kids editors

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The Benefits of 'Acting Like Kids' for Students

When I first started using this approach, I was amazed by how quickly students began to open up. They were more willing to share their thoughts, ask questions, and take risks. This is because acting like kids creates a space where mistakes are not only allowed, but encouraged. I've noticed that students who are usually quiet in class are more likely to speak up when I model vulnerability or curiosity.

Another benefit I've seen is increased creativity. When I act out a scene from a book, students are more likely to imagine themselves in the story and come up with their own interpretations. This kind of engagement is not possible in traditional instruction, where students are often passive recipients of information.

Finally, this technique helps build trust between teachers and students. When I act like a child, I'm showing them that I'm not just an authority figure — I'm a learning partner. This creates a stronger connection and makes the classroom a more welcoming place for all students.

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How to Adapt 'Acting Like Kids' for Different Age Groups

With younger students, I focus on simple role-play that's based on emotions or daily experiences. For example, I might pretend to be a student who is sad because they lost their toy, and ask the class how they think I should feel. This helps them understand and express their own emotions in a safe way.

With older students, I use more complex scenarios that require critical thinking and empathy. For example, I might act out a scene from a novel, pretending to be a character who is struggling with a difficult decision. This helps students understand the emotions and motivations behind the character's actions.

I've also found that using this technique with students of different ages helps them see the world from different perspectives. When younger students watch older students act out complex scenarios, they're more likely to engage with the material in a meaningful way.

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How to Use 'Acting Like Kids' Across the Curriculum

I've used this technique in math classes to help students understand abstract concepts. For example, I might pretend to be confused about a math problem and ask the class how they think I should solve it. This helps students see the problem from a new perspective and encourages them to think creatively.

In science classes, I use this technique to help students understand complex processes. For example, I might act out the water cycle by pretending to be a water droplet traveling through the environment. This makes the concept more tangible and easier to understand.

In social studies classes, I use this technique to help students understand historical events and perspectives. For example, I might act out a scenario from the past, pretending to be a person who lived during that time. This helps students connect with the material on a deeper level.

Whether it's math, science, or social studies, acting like kids can bring any lesson to life.

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How to Use 'Acting Like Kids' for Social-Emotional Learning

I use this technique to teach empathy by pretending to be a student who is struggling with a particular emotion. For example, I might pretend to be a student who is scared to speak in front of the class and ask the class how they think I feel. This helps students understand the experience of being nervous or anxious and encourages them to be more empathetic.

I also use this technique to teach self-awareness. For example, I might pretend to be a student who is frustrated with a difficult assignment and ask the class how they think I should handle the situation. This helps students see the importance of recognizing and managing their own emotions.

Finally, I use this technique to teach conflict resolution. When students are having a disagreement, I might act out the situation from both perspectives and ask the class how they think I should handle it. This helps them see the issue from multiple angles and find a solution that works for everyone.

Teachers Acting Like Kids