Entertainment

The Creativity Corner at this years Al Ain Reads book show is set to be the most lively and interactive experience in the events history for children and their parents to immerse themselves in the exciting world of books and reading.

Running at Al Ain Convention Centre between October 27 to November 2, 2014, Al Ain Reads the sixth in the annual series organised by the National Library of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) - features more than sixty exhibitors displaying over 55,000 literary and scientific book and reference titles in both Arabic and English. Featuring a series of cultural programmes and activities that motivate learning and knowledge, younger visitors will be treated to a variety of story readings, poetry evenings, book signing ceremonies and discussion seminars from notable local authors.

The Creativity Corner is dedicated to six to twelve year old children and highlights our keen interest in fostering future generations to make reading a daily activity. Mixing fun with learning, several arts and handicraft workshops will be held under the supervision of highly trained professionals in cooperation with educational and social institutions, said Juma Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the National Library at TCA Abu Dhabi.
Highlighting the importance of community and inclusion, activities dedicated to children with special educational needs also play an important role in this years showing.

The Creativity Corner also pays much attention to children with special needs so that they can enjoy participating in activities, and a sign language interpreter will be made available for those with hearing impairments by Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, he added.

The Creativity Corner has six main sections which cover childrens life and knowledge needs with the participation of their parents.
The Reading section, organised in partnership with the College of Education (CEDU) at UAE University, will feature carefully-prepared reading and performance workshops by female university students to motivate children to read and listen to stories. Additional story reading sessions will be held by UAE University academics, Al Ain Municipality, Al Ain Police Department, the Family Development Foundation and the Social Support Centre. This section also focuses on developing childrens creative skills through several exciting reading games.

Interactive family oriented reading and writing activities have also been introduced to the reading section where family members can exchange encouragement letters and personal experiences related to reading. The section also features traditional story-telling and discussion sessions to promote Emirati heritage and organises daily visits to children at Al Ain hospitals, reading them stories and offering books as gifts.
In partnership with Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, the Environment section offers puppet theatre shows, entertainment activities and photo opportunities which focus on raising awareness about the environment and what people can do to protect it. The section will also launch the Young Writer competition and hold flower making workshops, and tree decoration exercises.

In the Educational Consultation section Dr Najwa Al Hosni, Assistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction Department at CEDU, UAE University, will meet visitors and answer parents questions on how to raise and care for their children, as well as addressing academic questions asked by school and university students who are interested in educational affairs.

The Arts section, co-organised by the Early Intervention Centre at Zayed Higher Organisation, will offer different children workshops led by a group of students with special needs featuring advanced handicrafts including doll making from socks and newspapers. Story reading and acting will be performed and specialised trainers will supervise a number of hands-on activities.

The Early Intervention Centre will also introduce its Neighbourhood Children initiative, an educational programme of puppet theatre shows that aim to spread awareness among all segments of society, particularly children, about different types of impairment and their multiple medical, educational and social needs. Telling the life story of an impaired child enacted by puppets, the Neighbourhood Children programme emphasises a positive outlook towards people with special needs and accepting their integration into society.

The Traffic Awareness section will feature traffic awareness activities including competitions and simple workshops organised by Al Ain Police Department. For its part, the Child Health section will help parents know more about important child and family health related issues and doctors from Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi will offer very useful health information and conduct vision checking and fitness tests.
The free-to-enter Creativity Corner opens daily at Al Ain Reads book show from 9am-1pm and from 59pm.

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