The Krakow-based ArcelorMittal Poland's kindergarten approaches English language learning in an original way: it enriches traditional teaching with classes with the educational robot EMYS. Thanks to the involvement of new technologies, the youngest children gain knowledge in an accessible way, interacting with the funny machine and under the watchful eye of a qualified teacher.
As of 2017, according to the current core curriculum for preschool education in Poland, all children attending kindergarten should learn a foreign language. According to recent studies, the earlier children are exposed to English, the faster and easier they learn it, they also gain better analytical skills, concentration and memory.
ArcelorMittal Poland's kindergartenin Krakow has a rich educational offer and a range of activities that develop all the senses.
“We are committed to ensuring that our preschoolers learn and get to know the world in a creative and attractive way for the child - through play and contact with stimuli that engage them and motivate them to learn” stresses Patrycja Satora, English teacher and deputy director for the organization of the kindergarden. ”New technologies are now an integral part of the world, but it's important to use them wisely, hence the idea to purchase the EMYS robot. The device allows us to introduce new words and phrases, consolidate knowledge, and at the same time have fun and bring a smile to the children's faces” she adds.
The Our Children Foundation, which manages ArcelorMittal Poland's plant kindergartens in Krakow and Dabrowa Gornicza, equipped each of these facilities with one device.
“The purchase of this robot was a hit. For us, it was not simply a retrofit for the kindergarten, but an investment in the development of our preschoolers. EMYS not only helps them learn English, but also builds valuable social skills and awakens the children's curiosity about the world and technology” stresses Katarzyna Kulik, CEO of Our Children Foundation. ”We would not have been able to afford such a purchase without the funds from 1.5% tax and the support of our wonderful donors, including the KRH NSZZ “Solidarność” trade union of ArcelorMittal Poland Kraków and the ArcelorMittal Poland Employees Trade Union of Kraków” she adds.
The EMYS robot is a Polish product created by a company from Wroclaw. It allows to develop language skills through interactive tasks, games or songs. It uses interaction through, among other things, the popular potato game, recording and playing back children's answers, repeating together or capturing preschoolers' work with a built-in camera. The robot also reacts with emotion to movement, or to attempts at contact from the little ones - it purrs in a friendly manner when they want to pet it, and shows displeasure when they accost it.
“We are happy that thanks to our support, kindergarten children, who are also children of employees of the Krakow steelworks, can use such an innovative teaching aid. Not many establishments in Cracow have such an opportunity” says Roman Wątkowski, chairman of the Steelworkers Committee of the ArcelorMittal Poland NSZZ ‘Solidarność’. ”Every zloty spent on such equipment is a good investment, because it motivates children to acquire knowledge and broadens their horizons. We always say “yes” to such initiatives” says Krzysztof Wójcik, chairman of the ArcelorMittal Poland NSZZ Employees".
