All children dream about it

According to the statistics, in 2001 Żory was the youngest city in the Silesian Voivodeship and at the same time – the city with the highest natural increase. The earlier kindergarten location in Kleszczówka district and the neighbouring facilities were not able to ensure necessary conditions for all children that should attend kindegarten. We decided to build a new facility, taking into account the fact that the previous building was already in poor technical condition and did not fulfil the requirements of the State Fire Brigade. Its adaptation to fire safety provisions would be very expensive. The European Funds are an invaluable support in the implementation of this ambitious task.

The kindergarten opened in September 2017. The design of the building was created by the architects from Toprojekt studio from Rybnik. We own them the idea of such original and eye-catching form of the kindergarten. We try to develop such municipal facilities that are not only functional but also set new architectural and landscaping standards. This was also the case here. A low-rise, child-friendly and big facility with a recreation area... on the roof was created. It is a big deal for children who often cannot even climb a tree in a traditional kindergarten. It also gives them a lot of fun to play freely on the roof. Thoughtful solutions make the kindergarten closer to a young man’s scale. Wooden facade and numerous glazings that let natural daily light inside additionally attract attention. I am proud that together we have created the building so well suited to the needs of children, which provides them with excellent development conditions. Moreover, it looks great and uses modern “green” solutions.

The new seat was welcomed with enthusiasm by children, their parents, and the kindergarten staff. It was also appreciated by the circle of architects, which is confirmed for instance by the SARP Award of the Year 2018 in the Best Educational Facility category or the Nomination for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe 2019 Award – the most important European architectural distinction. The facility is and will continue to be the symbol of our city.

Kindergarten is another important stage of the route of socialisation, and the behaviours and attitudes perpetuated in early childhood will affect further life. Staying in a group helps a child construct the image of itself and socialise with others. Recently, the number of children of low social maturity has been growing. Thus, it is necessary to shape these skills in kindergarten. When we moved to a new building, we got the opportunity to create an additional group. We obtained money for this purpose from the European Funds. However, we did not limit ourselves to creating only additional 25 places for children aged 3-4. We also prepared various classes developing social and emotional skills as well as workshops of speech therapy and corrective gymnastics. During the classes on social and emotional competence, children learned how to care for others, offer them help and ask for help, but also how to resolve conflicts and problems in a constructive and respectful way. All games and exercises served to control emotions of timid and over-expressive children. Our preschoolers quickly acquired proper social behaviour, transferring it onto practical grounds.

Group classes were also managed with the use of the Montessori method, which relies largely on fun and games as well as individual acquisition of experience by the youngest. It enables us to organise the transition from children games to elements of work. Children learned how to focus their attention, they acquired awareness of order and respect for the work of others, acting in line with the principle of Maria Montessori “help me do it myself”, i.e. independently. The preschoolers played in accordance with their capacities, at their own pace, in peace and quiet.

The organised classes allowed our children to better identify their own emotions and control them, set and achieve positive goals, build and develop positive relations with others, and effectively cope with difficult situations. In addition, the kindergarten was equipped with modern didactic tools and toys.

The kindergarten in Kleszczówka is probably the type of facility every parent and every child dreams about. The building is very functional, fully adapted to the needs of the youngest and equipped with necessary teaching aids. When compared to the previous location, the difference is huge and definitely positive. I am happy that the implemented solutions were not limited to colourful interior only. New rooms are spacious. Each of them comes with a toilet, which is comfortable for the little ones. In the previous facility, there was only one toilet on each storey and children had to queue. Now, things are much more comfy.

We, meaning parents, also pay attention to architectural details such as the wooden facade and numerous glazings that let natural light in. For our children, the biggest attraction is the recreational area on the roof. They can play, run and fool around as much as they want. They can feel free and happy. My boys really like spending time on the roof. And who wouldn’t? Initially, they were so excited that they always wanted to bring me to the roof top when I came to pick them up. We moved house, and although we do not live so close to the kindergarten anymore, we have not changed it. I’d rather bring my children to the place where they are happy, safe, and can develop. They have friends here and enjoy themselves.

I also appreciate the fact that the kidergarten management cares for the youngest, trying to organise many extra classes, for example English or gymnastics lessons. Two years ago, my sons also attended classes that focused on the development of social-emotional skills, which was possible thanks to the EU subsidy. The classes were constructed in such a way that on the one hand they enabled them to give vent to their inexhaustible energy resources, and on the other hand – they taught concentration and creativity. They also developed motor skills and perception, which is extremely important for preschoolers. The groups were not big, which enabled the caregivers to work with every child. The boys liked those classes a lot.

Apart from being a mom, I am also a teacher and believe than kindergarten is a perfect place to develop child’s interest and promote various types of activity. There should be as many extra classes as possible. The kindergarten in Kleszczówka is an example of great sensitivity to the needs of the youngest. And we should remember that the youngest are most important here.