What we are investigating in experience-based essay is children’s free play in preschool. The purpose is to find out exactly how free the so called “free play” is and what interventions from the teachers can result in and contribute to when it comes to children’s play in preschool. Our main questions are: In what way should preschool teachers intervene in children’s playing situations? Should preschool teachers work against stereotypical gender roles everyday play situations? Why is children’s unrestricted play important in preschool? We are starting of this scientific essay by introducing two stories that’s self-experienced in our roles as preschool teachers. In the first story we are writing about a dilemma that occurs when a play situation leads up to the teacher feeling that the best solution is to end the game. In the second story we are describing a dilemma that occurs as the teacher decides to intervene in the children’s play and the intervention results in the children getting bored and eventually decides to leave the game themselves. With the help from different theories and from the knowledge we’ve been taught due to our preschool teacher education, we are reflecting on how we managed these play situations and what we could have done differently. We are doing this to get different point of views to what children’s free play means, get an insight on the act and responsibility of teachers and also to get more insight to what meaning gender specific toys and boundaries possibly can have in children’s play. We are starting the reflection from a gender perspective and are analyzing with the help from a scientific article with the focus on gender specific toys. Our final reflection is that the teachers have a positive attitude towards the free play, but that they are subconsciously controlling with both rules and the way that toys are to be used. Through this work we have come to the conclusion that it is important that the teachers are present, supportive and involved in the children’s play due to its possibility of being a process dealing with real life events. It isalso important to work with equality in children’s play at preschool to break down current unequal structures between genders. / Det vi undersöker med denna erfarenhetsbaserade essä är barns fria lek i förskolan. Syftet är att ta reda på hur fri den så kallade fria leken är och vad pedagogers ingripande i barns leksituationer kan resultera i och bidra till vad gäller barns lek i förskolan. Våra frågeställningar vi vill belysa är: Hur ska pedagoger gripa in i leksituationer? Ska pedagoger i förskolan motverka stereotypa könsroller i vardagliga leksituationer? Varför är barns fria lek viktig i förskolan? Vi påbörjar denna vetenskapliga essä med att introducera två berättelser vi själva upplevt i våra roller som pedagoger på förskola. I första berättelsen skriver vi om ett dilemma som uppstår då en leksituation leder till att pedagogen upplever att den bästa lösningen är att avsluta leken. I den andra berättelsen beskriver vi ett dilemma som uppstår när pedagogen lägger sig i barnens lek som leder till att barnen tröttnar och tillslut självmant väljer att gå ifrån leken. Med hjälp av olika teorier och de kunskaper vi tillägnat oss från vår utbildning till förskollärare reflekterar vi över hur vi hanterade dessa leksituationer och vad vi hade kunnat göra annorlunda. Detta gör vi för att få olika synsätt gällande vad barns fria lek betyder, få syn på pedagogens agerande och ansvar samt för att få mer inblick i vad könsbundna leksaker och gränssättning kan ha för betydelse i barns lek. Vår slutliga reflektion är att pedagogerna har en positiv inställning till den fria leken, men att pedagogerna är inne och omedvetet styr med både regler och hur leksaker ska användas. Vi har genom detta arbete kommit fram till att det är viktigt att pedagoger är närvarande, stöttande och sätter sig in i barns lek då det kan vara bearbetning av verkliga händelser. Det är även viktigt att arbeta med likvärdighet ibarns lek på förskolan för att bryta nuvarande ojämlika uppbyggnader mellan könen.

This diploma thesis aims to describe the nature and specifics of product safety, as well as analyze the legal background of toys safety and discuss practical aspects related to the toy market. Based on these findings it aims to vindicate the following hypothesis: "Current toy market trends clearly linked with European integration, globalization and technological progress lead to a need to introduce increasingly stringent legislation that would regulate the negative consequences of these trends." The diploma thesis is divided into three parts. The first part describes the theoretical basis of consumer protection in the Czech Republic and the European Union. Sources of legal regulation of consumer law, basic terminology as well as consumer organizations and institutions active in this area are described. The second part deals with the regulation of product safety, while an analysis of three major legislations affecting the product safety is carried out. The third part of this diploma thesis is crucial, while it characterizes the term "toy", analyzes legislation governing toys safety and contains comparison of the current and already invalid Government Regulation on technical requirements for toys. Specific aspects of the toy industry and its current trends are discussed as well as systematic intervention of responsible bodies in case when a dangerous toy is launched.

The research described in this dissertation examines the possible link between self-regulated learning and LEGO Mindstorms robotics activities in teaching concepts in an introductory university computer programming course. The areas of student motivation, learning strategies, and mastery of course objectives are investigated. In all three cases analysis failed to reveal any statistically significant differences between the traditional control group and the experimental LEGO Mindstorms group as measured by the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire and course exams. Possible reasons for the lack of positive results include technical problems and limitations of the LEGO Mindstorms systems, limited number and availability of robots outside of class, limited amount of time during the semester for the robotics activities, and a possible difference in effectiveness based on gender. Responses to student follow-up questions, however, suggest that at least some of the students really enjoyed the LEGO activities. As with any teaching tool or activity, there are numerous ways in which LEGO Mindstorms can be incorporated into learning. This study explores whether or not LEGO Mindstorms are an effective tool for teaching introductory computer programming at the university level and how these systems can best be utilized.

Diploma thesis concerns creation of business plan for foundation of a firm which is specialized on selling toys for children via internet shop. Business plan is based on basic strategic analyzes and also on primary research of data collected through questionnaires. The part of thesis describes concrete business plan including financial plan and schedule of plan realization.

The thesis deals with gender aspects of parental choice of common and Montessori kindergarten. The theoretical part focuses on topics related to both gender identity and its development and with the preschool period, which is described primarily in terms of gender. Given that important parts of childhood are toys, the theoretical part also focuses on the gender aspect and explores it. Gender equality is offered as one of the possible approaches to children upbringing and education. The Montessori method of education occupies a large space of the theoretical part. The thesis also compares Montessori kindergartens with common kindergartens. Research of the thesis is based on a qualitative analysis of interviews with mothers of children in the pre-school and early school age. This analysis goes through all the interviews. It searches and then compares common categories. The research shows that parents choosing a kindergarten for their child do not reflect forms of gender socialization in the kindergarten. Alternative kindergarten is often chosen by parents of children who apply elements of gender- sensitive education in their upbringing. Parents, who chose child Montessori kindergarten for their child, have more specific and clearly defined selection criteria than parents collecting common...

En el presente trabajo de investigación, se desarrolló un plan de negocios para la venta de peluches antialérgicos dirigido a jóvenes y adultos con alergias y amantes de los obsequios personalizados, con la finalidad de garantizar a los consumidores un producto apto para sus necesidades y problemas en relación a las alergias ocasionadas por este producto. Para el desarrollo del proyecto, se analizó cada aspecto de la propuesta bajo el BMC del mismo, el cual se complementa mediante el análisis de las necesidades perfil del cliente. Asimismo, se llevó a cabo la investigación de la competencia, aspectos de tropicalización y adaptación del producto a las necesidades del cliente. También, con la finalidad de lograr validar el modelo de negocio del proyecto, se formularon hipótesis las cuales serían validadas por medio de experimentos como el Producto Mínimo Viable (MVP). Finalmente, la metodología utilizada para el presente trabajo fue Lean Startup. A partir de ello, se establecieron los planes estratégicos, responsabilidad social, recursos humanos, estrategias de marketing, teórica como financieramente, con la valorización del proyecto. / In the present paper, it was developed a business plan for the sale of anti-allergic plush toys targeted to young people and adults with allergies and lovers of personalized gifts, in order to ensure consumers a product suitable for their needs and problems in relation to allergies caused by this product. For the development of the project, each aspect of the proposal was analyzed under the BMC project, which is enhanced by the analysis of the necessities and profile of the client. Likewise, it carried out the analysis of the competition, aspects of tropicalization and adaptation of the product to the clients' needs. In addition, in order to validate the project's business model, hypotheses were formulated which would be validated through experiments such as the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Finally, the methodology applied for this paper is Lean Startup. Based on this, the strategic plans, social responsibility, human resources, marketing strategies, both theoretically and financially, were established with the valorization of the project. / Trabajo de investigación

Material artefacts to be used during sex is today commonly known as “sex toys”. This thesis has aimed to understand the discursive practices preceding this late-modern conceptualization, and what the previous historical conceptualizations testified to in terms of sexual morality and constructions of sexuality. The focus has been on a Swedish expert-led discursive context, spanning from the late seventies to the mid-nineties. Despite a general idea of Swedish sexual progressiveness, the results show that the discourse around these objects were all but welcoming. The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education (RFSU) considered the selling of “sexual technical aids” as a difficult topic. Good sexuality was to share an emotional loving connection. Thus, it should not overemphasize sex and the body, which sex aids did by being used for sexual functioning or corporeal sensations. I have shown how a discussion of sex aid-use by men with certain physical disabilities dealt with this problem, by providing a context of enabling sexual activity within a romantic union between the men and their partners. Thus, erective aids were especially in focus. I argue that this shows a somatification of male sexuality, which has previously been discussed as taking place in Sweden after the introduction of pharmaceutical erective pills in the late 1990s. Parallel to this, I show a development of heralding female use of “sex toys” in the early 1990s media. Whereas male masturbation with sexual objects were still ridden with an idea of social inadequacy, women were increasingly championed to consume to masturbate. I argue that the developments of how to conceptualize sex aids in Sweden indicate a larger discursive change regarding sexuality. Not only were men and women increasingly considered as beings with separate sexualities, and thus given separate sex aid-markets to court this – but acceptable sexual expression overall broadened. Good sexuality in the Swedish 1990s had begun to embrace the bodily sensations felt during sex, as well as accept sex itself as an independent aim, and in consequence sex aids – or “sex toys” – as a more acceptable means to this end.

Könsnormerna bekräftas av föräldrar redan från barnets födsel, genom att välja könsstereotypiska leksaker, som enligt samhällets normer delar upp barnen mellan de biologiska könen. Detta påverkar inte endast barnets syn på sig själv utan även hur andra ser och behandlar barnet. Ett antal studier visar hur stereotypa leksaker ger barn en snäv syn på verkligheten och deras framtidsvisioner, något som påverkar jämställdheten mellan könen i framtiden. Det som saknas i litteraturen är föräldrars känslomässiga koppling till könsstereotypiska leksaker och problemen de står inför som resulterar i att de gör stereotypa leksaksval. I detta arbete blir det tydligt att föräldrar vill variera lek men att uppmuntra till detta tar för mycket tid och baserar då val av lek och leksaker framförallt på barnets egen vilja. För att exemplifiera en tänkbar lösning på detta problem utformades en produkt som underlättar för föräldrar att variera och göra normbrytande lek med barnets redan existerande leksaker. Detta arbete påpekar en viktig byggsten för ett framtida jämställt samhälle och hur detta lättare kan uppnås genom design. / Gender norms are validated by parents from the birth of a child by choosing gender stereotypical toys according to societal norms which divide children among the biological sexes. This affects not only the child's self-image but also how others judge and treat the child. A number of studies show how stereotypical toys give children a narrow world view and their visions for the future, something that affects gender equality. Parents' emotional bond to gender stereotypical toys and the difficulties they face that result in them making stereotypical toy choices is what is missing in the literature. In this project it becomes apparent that parents wants to vary play, but encouraging this takes too much time which leads the parents to make stereotypical choices of toys and play primarily based on their child's own will. To exemplify a possible solution to this problem, a product was designed, that makes it easier for parents to vary and make norm-breaking play with their child's already existing toys. This study points out an important building block for an equal future society and how this can be more easily achieved through design.

Background: Marketing communication often uses gender-stereotyped messages to reach their target groups more effectively. Activities like this can have harmful consequences, especially when aimed towards children. Those effects have been found to also contribute to gender inequalities, among other aspects. Therefore, such practices have generated criticism and as a consequence the search for possible solutions. One of them being gender neutral marketing. Purpose: This thesis aimed to investigate gender-neutral marketing with a focus on the children’s toy industry. While taking into account customers’ acceptance, as well as companies’ economic interests, a potential solution for gender neutral marketing initiatives is presented as a result.  Methodology: To get an insight into the requirements of customers’ acceptance for GNM, their thoughts, opinions, and experiences where of high interest. For this reason, an inductive, qualitative approach has been chosen. An exploratory research design, with a sample consisting of German parents, teachers, and psychologist, have been used to answer the research question.  Main Findings: The color pink has been found as a particularly high barrier towards equal playing behavior amongst children and towards gender neutral marketing. Regarding the area of children’s toys, boys have been found to be more restricted than girls. Conducting small steps, while not moving away too far from socially accepted behavior, is the key to a successful implementation of GNM. Delimitations: This study is limited to only German participants. As the sample size is relatively small, different cultural backgrounds would have added further demographic differences and consequently would have complicated the analysis. Therefore the researcher decided to focus solely on respondents of one origin, in this case German. Due to time restraints, the sample size was limited to only 9 Interviews. The lack of willingness from other psychologists to collaborate in the research also limited the sample size. Not chosen as one of the focal points in this study is a differentiation based on educational background. As the area of marketing is too broad, and unreliable for the sample, the researcher furthermore narrowed the topic of this thesis down on the child’s toy industry. As the sample size is relatively small, the respondents were meant to be as similar as possible, in order to analyse and compare their answers. Therefore, divorced or same-sex couples have been excluded from the sample. Please turn to the author if you want access to the transcripts of the interviews (alina.steindl@yahoo.de).

This dissertation examines the personality of Frantisek Bakule. It is largely based on many manuscripts of his rich estate, and the products of his pupils. The aim of the paper was to map out the unexamined part of the estate in the National Pedagogical Museum and Library of J. A. Comenius. This aim was only partially achieved as the estate is truly enormous. Therefore, the focus was put on the parts concerning Bakule's Little Singers, Childern's Workshop Group and letters from his former students. However, the main benefit of this paper is a complete record of all the products and toys made the children. Such record had not been compiled, not even in museum record keeping files. All the objects were photographed, measured, described and categorized. An important part of this dissertation is also an extensive chapter devoted to the history of caring for the physically disabled not only in the Czech Republic but also in other European countries at the turn of the 19th and 20th century.