Fibichova Preschool teachers talk about the importance of art

 Fibichova Preschool teachers talk about the importance of art

A When I asked the headteacher from Fibichova Preschool in Jihlava, a small preschool with only two classes, why art is important and how it is being taught in preschools, she told me her answer could be too long and she would rather invite her colleague to speak on the topic as well.

B Věra Kalinová, headteacher, and her colleague Tereza Smolíková, teacher at Fibichova preschool explained: “The skills which we practice in art are the abilities that children can use throughout their lives. These processes are important, and they are a vital part of human experience. Art is used in our preschool as a way for children to translate the world through their own eyes to create something new and personal. It is a way our children can express their experience to others. Art can be an essential part of each child’s learning experience.”

C “Art can support children to become better problem solvers, and they can develop their decision making and critical thinking skills,” noted Tereza Smolíková. “Working on manual art activities can develop children’s fine motor skills. Art also reinforces what is taught,” added Věra Kalinová. “We offer our children art activities which they may not otherwise do, and we also introduce art from other cultures. The arts inspire children to create and use their imagination, and they also develop self-confidence.”

D During our conversation, I watch preschool children who are just compiling a map of Africa. “Later on, we will place animals there that we made from pressed paper yesterday”, Tereza Smolíková explains. “As you can see, children are able to develop independence and collaboration through these activities,” Věra Kalinová expressed. She is persuaded that arts teach children that problems can have more than one solution. Children can develop not only their communication skills but also non-verbal communication and ability to concentrate.

E Fibichova Preschool was founded in the 1950s and is once one of the famous villas of the Vysočina Region. Due to its size, low number of children and the amazing locality of a large garden with many full-grown trees, the preschool manages to establish a family education. The atmosphere is highly stimulating, socializing and protective.

 

1) Read the article and match each of the headings to a paragraph.

1 Children work together on a project

2 Climate of the preschool

3 Headteacher wanted her colleague to participate

4 Art supports critical thinking and motor skills

5 Art develops thinking and prepares for future life

 

2) Read the article Fibichova Preschool teachers talk about the importance of art and choose the correct answer:

1 Why did the headteacher want her colleague to join her?

2 Why do the teachers think art skills are important?

3 What do art classes develop according to Tereza Smolíková?

4 Which qualities does art boost according to Věra Kalinová?

5 What is the environment of the preschool like?

 

3) Explain the following words and phrases.

1 to translate the world through their own eyes

2 to become better problem solvers

3 fine motor skills

4 to develop independence and collaboration

5 non-verbal communication

 

Source:

(1) ROZNIK, Sharon. FDL art teachers talk about the importance of art. FDL Reporter [online]. 2015 [cit. 2015-09-21]. Available at: http://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/local/2015/03/06/fdl-art-teachers-talk-importance-art/24500883/