EMPOWERING PROPERTIES OF PUPPETS IN EDUCATION

EMPOWERING PROPERTIES OF PUPPETS IN EDUCATION AND HOW TO CREATE THEM

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at teachers and school staff from pre-school level to primary and special needs education, staff of non-government organizations, government and policy makers and company staff as well as students and all those who want to learn about the creation and use of puppets for mediation and expression facilitation. The course will focus on technical and practical aspects of creating puppets and on theoretical and functional aspects of the use of puppets in mediation, special needs education, integration, creative thinking and creative expression. Participants are expected to have at least A2 level of English proficiency and should be able to work with materials and techniques for creating masks and puppets. No prior knowledge of the topic is necessary, only the physical ability to operate scissors, knifes, sponge, etc.

Methodology

Methodology is based on theoretical input, presentations of examples of good practice as well as demonstrations and experience comparisons and in the most part practical work on creating and use of puppets. Participants will have the opportunity to create several kinds of puppets and practice methods for use of puppets in their professional context.

Outcomes

Understanding how puppets can be used in work with pre-school, primary school and children with special needs in order to teach morals and values, reinforce good behavior, handle sensitive topics, stimulate imagination, encourage creative play and aid discovery, give instructions and facilitate learning.
Learning how to use persona doll in education.
Learning how to make a sock puppet.
Boosting participants’ confidence in use of puppets as educational tools.
Developing communication, collaboration, presentation, problem solving, negotiation, critical and creative thinking skills.
Enhancing understanding of the potential drama and theatre methods have in education and opportunities they provide.
Providing and exercising creative ideas and practical resources for successful use of puppets in education.
Improving English fluency (official language of the course).
Enhancing intercultural cognition.
Sharing experiences of school project work and use of puppets in education from different organizations in order to help each of us to be more effective in our work.
Strengthening the European collaboration among people using puppets and in education in different contexts.
Providing insights into different education systems.

Preparation

After registration participants will receive pre-course questionnaire which will be used by the trainer to learn about participants’ teaching backgrounds and to assess their exact needs. Before the beginning of the course a basic reading list will be suggested to participants to prepare for the training. Participants will also be asked to prepare a presentation about themselves, their professional context and their culture. The presentation will be presented on the first day of the course to facilitate networking opportunities. Participants will receive information about the country they are going to visit in order to prepare them for their cultural experience.

Follow up

After the course participants will be asked to share what they have learned with the rest of the staff in their schools. Further books and articles to deepen the topic and contacts with some other practitioners all over Europe and in the world will be suggested by the trainer. The methods shared and explored and the bibliography given will allow the participants to complete and improve their educational path.

5 days programme (25 hours)

course sessions (Monday to Friday)

Introduction of participants, outline of the programme, warm ups and ice breakers
Overview of different types of puppets and introduction to their use in education
Practical workshop on creating and animating sock puppets
Introduction to persona dolls, simulations of the use of persona doll to tackle sensitive topics in the classroom
Individual support
Presentation of outcomes, discussion, evaluation and closing session

cultural and social programme

Teambuilding and networking activities
City tour or a cultural trip

10 days programme (50 hours)

course sessions (Monday to Friday + Monday to Friday)

Introduction of participants, outline of the programme, warm ups and ice breakers
Overview of different types of puppets and introduction to their use in education
Practical workshop on creating and animating sock puppets
Introduction to persona dolls, simulations of the use of persona doll to tackle sensitive topics in the classroom
Practical workshop on creating rod puppets
Working on a puppetry performance production in the classroom
Individual support
Presentation of outcomes, discussion, evaluation and closing session

cultural and social programme

Teambuilding and networking activities
City tour or a cultural trip

CERTIFICATE

Each participant will get a course attendance certificate and we will validate the acquired competences on the Europass Mobility upon request. Please note that we have a paperless policy and all the documents will be delivered in digital form.

COURSE FEE

The course fee is 80 € per day. It includes tuition and materials, cultural and social programme, support in preparation and all the administrative work. There are no additional costs or hidden fees. After registration, you will receive a pro-forma invoice which you will have to pay by bank transaction. You will receive the invoice after you attend the course.

SUBSISTENCE

The course fee doesn't include accommodation and meals and participants are responsible to organize them on their own. In some locations we might be able to recommend or organize subsistence for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us to inquire about any specific location.

REGISTRATION

You can submit a non-biding registration and we will reserve a place for you until you are ready to confirm your participation. cancellations are free until you pay the course fee.