LTTA in Poland

 

The first day was devoted to artistic presentations. Due to the fact that in the folk tradition singing and music are considered elements that integrate the community, these elements could not be missing.  Children from group III confidently entered the boards of our small, kindergarten stage. Over the past weeks, they have been bravely preparing to present an extremely energetic and interesting Lublin Dance.                             

In the first group, there was a presentation of the tradition, culture and folk art related to the Podhale region. Beautiful, colorful costumes, a theme corner with numerous exhibits, collected photos, albums and film presentations - all this was prepared together with the children and parents by Mrs. Aneta and Mrs. Halina - the teachers leading the group.  A large dose of information about national symbols, traditions, but also the nature of this region. At the end, the children presented the Silesian dance "Trojak".                      

The teachers who came to us could take part in art workshops, introducing the folk tradition of wreath-weaving.  This time, not live flowers and fresh herbs, but blotting paper and paper became the basis for making our wreaths. 

Second day: Classes in group II.  Małopolska is a region whose specificity was introduced to us by children and teachers: Mrs. Marlena and Mrs. Asia. Vast cultural area, diverse in terms of landscape and preserved traditions. Historic and colorful Krakow, as the capital of Małopolska, was presented from the perspective of  the kitchen. Because if Karków is its famous pastries and Obwarzanek, known for over 600 years.  It was his workshop traditions that were introduced to our guests. Everyone could feel like a real baking master and create both a traditional version of this baking and more modern variations. "Satiated" and satisfied, our guests and children joined the work. The positions in a small sewing room are fully prepared professionally. First, the project of the Krakow vest and cap was started, the technology was precisely developed, the highest-quality materials, and the templates were perfectly prepared.  The realization can be admired in the photo report.

 At the end of the day, we went with the guests to the "Świt" Community Center, where we watched a folk dance show.      

Wednesday is also a day dedicated to Mazovia. Children from group III presented their presentation and the classes were conducted by Mrs. Magda.  The teachers could learn about the specific features of the folk culture that was formed in Mazovia.  Ethnographic regions are briefly presented (eg Nadwiślańskie Urzecze near Wilanów).  The multicolor of the area is brought closer to its epicenter, namely the capital.  Warsaw, which is rich in both historical places and has revealed its modern face in recent years, has proved that it is "likeable".  With a quick throw on the tape, we moved to the colorful Łowicz.  The cultural heritage of the Łowicz region, whose advantage is its characteristic, recognizable folklore, is a real showcase of Poland.  The workshop for making dolls from a wooden spoon, in costumes from Łowicz, aroused a lot of enthusiasm among the participants.  The guests could get acquainted with the hunting embroidery motif and learn about the basic elements of men's and women's attire.         

The next day: workshops for teachers were prepared by our friend Pracownia KartON and the ethnographer and folk dance instructor Patrycja Kuczyńska.  "Folk games with dancing and handicrafts" - practical use of skill games, singing songs, counting-out, guessing games, search quizzes, porches at work with children.  Teachers had a chance to learn the methodology of conducting classes, the use of individual games in groups, but also in individual work.  During the classes, it turned out that many games reaching back to folk traditions are also characteristic of other countries.  It was nice to share this experience and hear folk songs in Romanian or Slovak.  

 

Another surprise awaited in the kindergarten. Gingerbread workshops prepared by Ms Sylwia from group IV.  Like gingerbread, Toruń, its rituals and traditions were of course known to our guests.  Toruń is also an extremely interesting city in terms of history.  All lovers of medieval secrets and architecture could admire the prepared photo exhibition.                                      

After an intensive week of working together, the guests could get to know our capital. We visited the city and showed what is the most beautiful about it: architecture, Łazienki Królewskie, the Old Town, the Vistula River.  It was a great time, full of joyful atmosphere.