5to7 Educator Awards 2009
5to7 Educator is proud to announce the winners of the 5to7 Educator Awards 2009
This year, for the first time, we are delighted to introduce the 5to7 Awards. Its aim is to identify and reward excellence in educational products that have been designed for children in key stage 1. We are extremely pleased with the interest shown in these awards, which have been split into two categories: 5to7 Books and 5to7 Other. These new awards mean that, for the first time, we are able to give guidance to professionals working in key stage 1.
Each product entered was tested in at least two separate settings by children and practitioners. Testers marked and provided a detailed evaluation as to the performance of a product against set criteria. This included: appeal to children (at the beginning and end of the trial); durability; adaptability; educational value; play value; value for money – and many others.
The Gold Award standard is not easily achieved. It is a much coveted and meaningful award. Products needed an average score of 90 per cent or more to attain gold. The standard is also high for silver (80 - 89 per cent) and a bronze requires 65 to 79 per cent.
This year, we were particularly impressed at both the amount of products entered and the number of companies involved. The testers have been tough – as professionals working with young children should be. They want to provide a first class care and learning environment. The result is a valuable guide for anyone buying equipment for an early years or key stage 1 setting.
Our thanks to our team of testers.
Category winners
The overall winners for each category are as follows:
5to7 Books
RHS Wildlife Garden
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing
www.dk.com
Price: £9.99
Age range: 5-7 years
Description: RHS Wildlife Garden helps children take a walk on the wild side and turn their garden into an amazing haven for wildlife, with the experts at the RHS.
Learn to Sign and Cook With Olli
Publisher: Sausage Dog Publishing
www.signwitholli.com
Price: £12.99
Age range: 7-11 years
Description: By combining the twin themes of food and sign language, this book will help children of all ages to improve their communication skills whilst they learn about food and how to prepare it safely.
5to7 Other
Wammy
Supplier: Flair Plc
www.flairplc.co.uk
Price: £9.99
Age range: 5 years +
Description: Wammy is the patented, tactile new toy from Japan that allows girls to make whatever they want using vibrant multi-coloured common shaped pieces. Each soft pliable piece can be flexed and connected in a variety of ways to create anything from small, cute models of animals to huge themed scenes. The beauty of Wammy is that the fun never has to stop. Girls can design their own unique creations, then take them apart and start again!
For a full list of all the winners for the 5to7 Educator Awards 2009, please view the 2009 Awards brochure.
Would you like to be a tester? Find out more.
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