WAM Abu Dhabi, Apr 29th, 2012 (WAM)--Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has organised a three-day training workshop to support teaching Arabic using puppets for Kindergarten (KG) and Cycle 1 (C1) students across Abu Dhabi schools.

The initiative comes in line with ADEC's strategy to develop education through a diversity of learning tools and resources to help create an optimal school environment that fosters creativity and innovation. The "train- the-trainer" workshop has attracted 120 teachers and Arabic coordinators.

Dr. Karima Al Mazroui, Arabic Medium Section Manager at ADEC, explained that the training session comes in line with ADEC's New School Model (NSM) vision to support pedagogical methods and maintain national identity through the support of learning Arabic.

"Using puppets in education is not a new idea; however it should be developed by providing teachers with the best practices and applications. Puppet theatre plays an effective role in developing language skills, which contributes to refining Arabic skills among students in an environment suitable for children age categories," said Dr. Al-Mazroui.

She added: "Using puppets in education, supports student collaborative learning and team work skills needed to help them become independent as well as benefit from peer learning at the same time." Puppet theatre is considered an important and effective tool to help develop a student's mental, emotional, cultural and linguistic skills. It helps transfer ideas and values using an easy language. Moreover, it enriches subjects and improves thinking skills and capabilities.

Through participating in performance, KG students become more positive, efficient and productive, since studies indicate that via play, a child's mental and creative capability grows.

During the workshop, teachers were briefed on the history of puppet theatre and the diverse types of puppets available, including the hand, finger, stick, shadow and string puppet. Teachers were also introduced to ideas on how to use puppets in education and the importance of child theatre in boosting self confidence and enhancing a positive attitude. By the end of the workshop, teachers were trained on how to manually design puppets to help promote national identity and culture.

Moza Al-Nayadi, a school teacher, enjoyed the workshop, particularly due to learning how to design a puppet from scratch, while reflecting the UAE's culture and tradition. She added that the initiative helps KG students learn easily, especially when storytelling and puppets are concerned.

Sheikha Saeed, another school teacher, said that these initiatives will increase self-confidence among students and help shy ones actively participate and face the public.

WAM/MN