09.04.2026 13:00
Hasret Ekmen combines the talent she discovered in the classroom with love, touching the world of children with her puppet named "Cinnamon." This special bond that brings together fun and learning adds a new breath to the teacher-child relationship.
Hasret Ekmen, a preschool teacher working in Batman, had been conducting drama activities with children for years. Puppets were already a natural part of her lessons. However, a small moment that occurred in the classroom opened the door to a significant transformation.
One of her students saying, “Teacher, you are making the puppet talk,” allowed Ekmen to discover a talent she was unaware of. This awareness transformed into a new path with the encouragement of the school administration and the support of her husband, Adem Ekmen: ventriloquism.
"CINNAMON" IS NOT JUST A PUPPET, BUT THE JOY OF THE CLASS
After her research, Teacher Hasret chose an orange-haired puppet and gave it a warm name that children could easily connect with: Cinnamon.
In a short time, Cinnamon became an indispensable part of the classrooms. For the children, it was no longer just a puppet; it was a talking, joking, responding friend.
Hasret Ekmen describes this bond as follows:
“Children do not see Cinnamon as a puppet. They talk to it, ask questions, and want to hug it. Their surprise at its reactions is actually the most natural form of learning.”
THE POWER OF LEARNING WITH FUN
Ventriloquism is based on the technique of speaking from the diaphragm without moving the lips. However, for Teacher Hasret, this is not just a technique; it is a different way to reach children.
Thanks to Cinnamon, children:
Communicate more comfortably
Participate more actively in class
Have fun while learning
This warm bond established in the classroom strengthens the communication between teacher and student while also facilitating the children's self-expression.
"I WANT TO MEET CHILDREN IN ALL 81 PROVINCES"
Hasret Ekmen, who performs on stage in schools and events, is quite pleased with the interest she has received. The impact of Cinnamon on children has also expanded her goals.
“My aim is to meet children not only in the city I am in but in all 81 provinces of Turkey. Cinnamon is happy with the children, and the children are happy with Cinnamon,” says Ekmen, who wants to continue this journey to reach more children.
FROM THE CHILDREN'S PERSPECTIVE ON CINNAMON
The best narrators of Cinnamon's impact in the classrooms are the children themselves:
10-year-old Nilay Ece Yıldız:
“Cinnamon was very funny. I wanted to watch it, and I was very happy to see it.”
Aras Aslan:
“I had never seen anything like this. It was both very funny and very entertaining.”
5-year-old Dilda Yaman expresses her happiness as follows:
“We played games with Cinnamon, I laughed a lot. I love it very much.”
MORE THAN A PUPPET: TRUST, JOY, AND BOND
The story of Teacher Hasret and Cinnamon once again shows that the teacher-student relationship is not just about transferring knowledge.
Sometimes a puppet can open the door for a child to express themselves.
Sometimes a voice can fill a classroom with laughter.
And sometimes a teacher can leave a mark on the lives of hundreds of children with a small touch.