Teachers try their hands at puppet-making

KOZHIKODE: It took only a little less than one hour for the discarded plastic bottles to sprout noses and ears and turn into animated puppets. A Montessori teachers training camp here taught the soon-to-be teachers to make hand puppets out of plastic bottles, in order to entertain kids in an environment-friendly way.More than 40 students, between the age of 16 to 45, practised nursery rhymes that they would soon be singing to tiny tots, as they carefully dipped their bottles in binding glue and started covering them with shreds of newspaper. The singing soon gave way to excited whispers as noses and ears were made of wet newspapers lending the bottles a human look. The finishing touches were then provided with distemper and water colour.The two-day camp started here at the Chachaji Nagar Pre-Primary Montessori Centre, affiliated to the National Child Development Council, on Friday.  “The camp is being held as part of the ‘soft skill training in puppet-making and puppet play’ module, that is being taught with all teacher training courses offered here, and is intended to train teachers to make their own teaching aids,” said centre-in-charge Vijina.This is the second time that the camp is being held at the Chachaji Nagar Centre.The teachers will be given training in making a variety of teaching aids including puppets and masks over two days by instructor Krishnakumar Kizhussery. “The materials that they learn to make here will help them teach students in a more entertaining way and keep the children interested through puppet plays and games. Such a style of teaching will help stimulate all five senses of these children,” said Vijina.The camp will conclude on Saturday.