Atlas supports teacher training programs in arts and crafts

Educators believe that the first five years of a child’s life are considered critical for development. Known as the formative years, the experiences and the exposure the child gets during this period sets the stage for future learning. Pre-school teachers therefore, play a key role as an early influencer and should ideally be trained in the right manner.

As Sri Lanka’s leading manufacturer of stationary and related products, Ceylon Pencil Company understands the importance of empowering pre-school teachers with up-to-date knowhow on early childhood education. Having formulated a unique Teacher Training Program that aims to enhance and update the knowledge available to pre and primary schools with fewer resources, the Company believes that such initiatives will enable pre-school teachers to engage with the children in many ways than one.

An interest in arts and crafts is vital to a child’s healthy emotional and intellectual development. Pre-school children should ideally engage in creative activities that provide sensory stimulation. “A child at birth has a brain that is eager to learn, with a great number of reserve brain cells. When children receive stimulation, these reserve brain cells can form new connections, leading to potentially better performance,” says Dr. Sudarshi Seneviratne, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children.

The Teacher Training Program hosted by Ceylon Pencil Co has been received with great enthusiasm among pre-school teachers – so far, programs have been held in key locations such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kiribathgoda, Negombo, Wattala, Kandy, Embilipitiya, Balangoda, Ratnapura, Avissawella, Matale, Nawalapitiya, Kegalle, Ududumbara, Galle, Matara, Jaffna, Batticaloa and Kurunegala. Many more programs are planned for the future.

An eminent panel of professionals conduct these training sessions which includes multi-sensory activities such as cutting or tearing paper, scribbling, colouring, clay moulding, etc., which are abilities that provides basic motor skill development, while augmenting co-ordination, strength and grip. It also contributes towards greater mental development in children. Engaging in activities such as colouring is important for children to experience the brilliance of colour and creativity, as an outlet for expression.

The program lays emphasis on introducing children to colour and covers topics of relevance such as expressing ideas and concepts with colour. It also shows the children how colour makes a difference in the way they relate to the world and includes tips on teaching children to mix and co-ordinate colours to bring out the vibrancy of their drawings.

“The teacher training program covers many strategic areas of importance for pre-school years such as hand work- craft, with emphasis on how engaging in such creative work has an impact on the wellbeing of children. Tools such as scissors, clay, colour paper, pastels, glue, colour pens and pencil sharpeners are used to fire the imagination of children. They are also taught the art of making items with practical lessons which enhance their knowledge,” said Nadeeka Jayasinghe, Senior Brand Manager of ATLAS – Ceylon Pencil Co.

The Teacher Training Program initiated by Ceylon Pencil Co for pre-schools with access to less resources is not only considered a project that serves the needs of the community at large but also augments the opportunities available for pre-school teachers in Sri Lanka.