Prototýpci (L1)

Prototýpci for Lower Primary (Grades 1–5, Ages 6–11) are educational programs focused on developing creativity, collaboration, imagination, and basic technical and digital skills through playful project days. The goal is to inspire children to explore, experiment, and learn through hands-on experiences. The program encourages curiosity and demonstrates that mistakes are a natural and important part of the creative process.

Unlike the upper primary level, where students tackle complex problems and turn ideas into projects with real-world impact, activities for lower primary focus on playfulness, basic logical thinking, introductory programming, and imagination development.

Key Activities and Student Experiences

Younger children learn primarily through play, creation, and teamwork. Tasks are concrete, visual, and accessible to nurture imagination and foundational skills. Selected project days include:

• Legotýpci – Children work with LEGO SPIKE Essential sets, build simple models, and bring them to life using motors and sensors. They learn the basics of logic, technical thinking, and teamwork.
• Robotýpci – Introduction to programming using Ozobot robots. Children create codes using colored lines, developing algorithmic thinking and spatial awareness.
• Design Detective (for younger students) – Children learn to listen to others’ needs, design simple solutions, and discover that design is about functionality as well as appearance.
• RE:design – Children transform used items into new creations, fostering creativity and learning the basics of sustainable thinking.
• Idea Factory – Through playful activities, brain teasers, and innovation stories, children explore how ideas are born and understand that even seemingly crazy ideas can have value.

Program Characteristics and Principles

The program combines learning with play and builds on children’s imagination. Unlike upper primary programs, which emphasize more complex concepts like sustainability, entrepreneurship, or critical thinking, this program focuses on developing creativity and imagination, encouraging teamwork and communication, introducing basic programming and technical skills, and promoting a playful approach to problem-solving.

Methodology and Structure

Each project day is divided into four 45-minute blocks and includes games, creative tasks, and team challenges. The structure emphasizes experiential and visual learning rather than analysis or abstract concepts, as in older students’ programs. Teachers receive methodological support with the option to adapt activities to their class’s specific needs.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits

Lower primary students gain their first experiences in programming, design thinking, and teamwork. They develop creativity, confidence, and joy in discovery. Children learn that their ideas have value and that, by working with others, they can create something tangible.

Unlike upper primary students, who work on projects with societal impact and learn complex planning, the main goal for lower primary is to ignite interest, motivation, and the courage to create.