Director

PaedDr. Petr Štainigl

Crafts Classes

Weaving

The weaving classes instruct those who are interested in making wreaths, baskets or other products made of wicker rods. For Easter, the participants weave ritual canes for boys. The work depends on the individual skills and abilities of those attending the course. The group comprises of maximum 7 users. The course takes place once a week and each session is 2 hours long. Most of the pupils master basket weaving within a few months. Others, who are more advanced, are able to complete more complex pieces such as cages or bells after some extra training.

The most usual method used is weaving using a wooden pad with holes drilled through. The holes are used for insertion of stiff supporting rods which are then woven around by two slimmer rods. In the more advanced cases, the number of rods increases to four. The other procedure is more complicated: the weaver produces the bottom of the basket and then goes on all the way to the end. Sometimes, in order to spice up the decoration of the piece, the weavers add wooden or hand-made beads.

Singing Classes

The singing class takes place once a week and each session is one hour long. The participants practise rhythms, using various instruments, they learn lyrics and proper intonation, articulation, and coordination of breathing with their diaphragm.
The also prepare for singing performances. The singing is accompanied by guitar. Regularly, the pupils listen to various kinds of music. This is usually combined with relaxation techniques.

Cooking Classes

The cooks gather once a month. At the class, they become familiar with all kinds of groceries, fruits and vegetables. They are also instructed in safety rules applied when working with sharp blades and kitchen devices. They are taught about processing food and ways how to apply heat and thus change the quality of various meals. Keeping everything clean and hygienic is an important part of the lecture as well as the technologies for preparation of the main dishes, desserts and sweets. The participants are also told about aesthetics, table-making and manners. Each lesson is concluded in a family-like atmosphere as everybody has a bite of what has been cooked and as the participants evaluate each other’s work.

Dancing Lessons

Each participant of the dancing lessons has got the chance to acquire the dancing basics. They learn how to move, how to perceive music, but also to tell one dancing and music style from another. Moving improvisation and training of various dance styles help the attendants relax and feel easy. The lessons take place once a month.

Pottery Classes

The pottery classes take place every day from Monday to Friday from 13 to 19 o’clock. The clients take turns in mixed groups, each one of them having six people.
They practise all basic techniques of clay forming, such as attaching rollers, gluing plates one to another, casting plaster moulds, glazing, figure-shaping, forming vessels and tiles. They also learn to use instruments and gadgets widely used in pottery. Furthermore, these activities have got a positive impact on delicate manual motor skills, movements coordination and increase of muscle strength.
The pupils display their work at a number of exhibitions, such Amatérský Chotěšov. They also take part in the Abilympics in Prague – at a competition for the physically disabled youth.