Story-telling as a pedagogy for foundational stage

TypeOpen for all

When

OrganiserNCERT | GINTL India

TopicsIndo-Finnish Collaboration

The department of Elementary Education at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is holding a series of webinars on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) under the MoU between NCERT and National Agency of Education (EDUFI) and GINTL, Finland.

NCERT and GINTL India present: Webinar series on early childhood education and care

NEP 2020 and NCF-FS 2022 have recommended Story-telling as an important pedagogy for the foundational years. For children, stories act as a portal to the world, captivating, exquisite, and enchanting. Stories are an exceptional medium for learning about social dynamics, ethical decision-making, understanding and navigating emotions, and acquiring essential life skills. Through culturally contextual stories, we can familiarize children with their culture, societal norms, and in still awareness about their environment.

India has a rich and diverse range of storytelling methods.  There are some that are told through the medium of dance, music and also through drawings and paintings. The Indian folklore encompasses the Panchatantra- a collection of animal fables and Jataka Tales which revolve around Lord Buddha’s previous incarnations. The ancient epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata are the cornerstones of Indian folklore.

For the purpose of the webinar four story telling techniques will be showcased

Kavad Katha: Kavad Katha, from Rajasthan, India, is a 400-year-old storytelling form. It features a portable shrine like portable equipment with visual narratives of mythological and folk tales. Each door opening reveals a new chapter in the story.

Pattachitra: Pattachitra, originating in Odisha and extending to West Bengal, is a traditional form of cloth-based scroll painting known for its vivid hues, intricate designs, and depiction of mythological narratives. This art form combines visual storytelling with oral tradition.

Storytelling through Drama: Storytelling through Dramatization is a dynamic narrative form that combines acting, music, and visuals for an immersive experience. It relies on body language, facial expressions, and voice modulation to convey story nuances effectively.

String and Shadow Puppets: String and shadow puppets are captivating storytelling forms deeply ingrained in India’s cultural heritage. String puppets are skilfully manipulated from above, allowing for lifelike gestures and emotions. Meanwhile, shadow puppetry involves puppeteers hidden behind a screen, skilfully bringing shadow characters to life.

Participation

Webinar is open for all. Participants can join the livestream on YouTube:

Link to webinar recording is shared soon.

Webinar Recording

Programme

14:30-14:45

Welcome address and inaugural Address  

  • Prof. Suniti Sanwal, Prof. & Head, DEE
  • Dr. Leena Halttunen, Head of Department of Education at University of Jyväskylä, Finland  
  • Prof. D.P. Saklani, Director, NCERT

14:45-15:25

Kavad-Katha Pattachitra  

  • Ms. Nupur Aggarwal, Story-teller, Hyderabad, Telangana

15:25-15:45

Story-telling through dramatization 

  • Dr. Jaishree Sethi, Founder Director, Story GharCheshta Care Foundation, New Delhi

15:45-16:15

Puppet theater (string and shadow puppet)

  • Ms. Anupama Hoskere, Founder Dhaatu Puppet Theater, Bengaluru, Karnataka

16:15-16:30

Concluding remarks and vote of thanks

  • Prof. Anupam Ahuja (Retd.), NCERT
  • Prof. R. Meganathan, Head, IRD   Prof. Suniti Sanwal, Prof. & Head, DEE

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Project coordinators

GINTL Finnish higher education institutions