Abstract:

The article is dedicated to the use of computer-controlled machines in kindergarten and elementary school from the theoretical as well as practical point of view. These technologies are not mentioned in the context of their implementation into the lesson and their use by children, but as an enhancer for teachers’ preparation of their lessons or their school activities. These technologies save people work, which is necessary for the preparation of a large number of separated pieces when creating with children. Teachers have got two options. Either they can purchase industrially produced, semi-finished products, where the choice is limited by the offer, or they can make these pieces themselves by using computer-controlled machines. A laser engraving machine is suitable for making templates or pre-prepared products from plywood. Here, the manual production in kindergarten environment is not so common. When working with paper, a teacher may cut out templates for all children or he may use a cutting plotter. In the article, there are introduced suggestions how teachers may use a laser engraving machine or a cutting plotter in kindergarten. This way, the article introduces a basic description of the production principle and the device use. Descriptions and device functions are supplemented by demonstrations for kindergarten and primary schools as well as by experience with the production and the use. In the article, there are also described the individual devices from their point of functioning and there are considered purchase costs of the individual devices too. This way, the article contains a comparison of purchasing and own production from all the points of view.

Keywords:

Computer-Controlled Machines, Kindergarten, Elementary School, plywood.