The preschool celebration prepared by teachers Dorota Berestecka and Iwona Witczak was not only an opportunity to have fun together with the children, but also aimed to encourage the preschoolers and their parents to collect food for animals from the shelter.
The preschoolers prepared for World Cat Day throughout the entire week. They collected many books, illustrations and photographs of domestic and wild cats. During the activities, they learned about cats’ customs, habits and breeds. They learned how to care for cats and about feline behavior, and discovered many interesting facts about their lives. What are whiskers for? Why does a cat hunt mice? Why does a cat purr? Why do cats sleep so much?
The children listened to the fairy tale “Why Don’t Dogs Like Cats?” and the story “Where Did Cats Come From?”. They also made many art projects, which became a gallery of cat portraits in the kindergarten hall.
The older preschool group visited an animal clinic, while the middle group visited a veterinary office. During the trip, the preschoolers deepened their knowledge about breeding and caring for four-legged animals.
On Cat Day, a joyful atmosphere prevailed at the kindergarten from early morning, as the preschoolers arrived dressed as cats. Beautiful black noses and whiskers were painted on their faces. The celebration began with everyone playing together to the song “Cat Day”. There were also plenty of cheerful cat games and contests, such as rolling a ball of wool, hunting mice, throwing a ball of wool at a target, walking on all fours along a fence (bench), and meowing a fragment of any song.
The “Greedy Kittens” contest brought the preschoolers great joy. During it, representatives of each group had to drink cats’ favorite treat—milk. The youngest children drank through a straw, the middle group used a small spoon, and the oldest children used their tongues. The children also watched a performance based on the work “The Sick Kitten”, presented by the teachers. Each preschool group also performed its own song about cats.
The preschoolers enjoyed the celebration very much. The organizers hope that this day will remain in the children’s memories for a long time and will not only awaken their fondness for cats, but above all make them sensitive to the plight of homeless animals and encourage them to help. On that day, a collection of food for dogs and cats began at the kindergarten. Children from Primary School No. 5, which is a friend of the kindergarten, will also join the campaign; a similar event will be held there after the winter holidays. A delegation from the school, accompanied by its teacher, attended the kindergarten celebration.
After the campaign ends, the food collected at the kindergarten will be given to the animal shelter.
(information: MPP No. 3 branch/ii)