Sound Shapes™
What it is: A set of lightweight, stackable, professional-quality drums that come in kid-friendly shapes and colors.
Why we like it: Great for music-making and storytelling; Durability and easy storage make the set classroom-perfect.
Remo; www.remo.com; Gr. PreK-up; $51/5-piece set; $67/6-piece set; also sold individually.
 
 
Creative Creatures
What it is: A modeling kit with 24 dough sticks, glitter, stick-on eyes, feathers, tools, and more for kids to create their own realistic or outlandish creatures.
Why we like it: Comes in classroom quantity; colorful, kid-friendly kit sparks the imagination!
Faber-Castell; www.faber-castellusa.com; Gr. 3-8; $15.
 
 
Gel FX Washable Markers
What it is: A set of cool, washable, kid-sized markers that can be used on white, black, or dark-colored paper.
Why we like it: All the colors magically lighten and brighten on the page, just like real gel markers.
Binney & Smith; www.crayola.com; Gr. PreK-up; $3.99.
 
 
The Name Game
What it is: An oversized felt floor game for teaching note reading. Designed for either one-on-one or group learning.
What teachers said: “Nice and bright. Core-concept related. A useful tool!”
Pure Gold Teaching Tools; www.puregoldteachingtools.com; Gr. PreK-up; 29.95.
 
Personal Paper Trimmer
What it is: A lightweight, precise paper cutter for the classroom.
Why we like it: It's quick, easy to use, and much safer than a utility blade for classroom project use.
Fiskars; www.fiskars.com; $10.99.
 
 
Expressions Music Curriculum™
What it is: A standards-based music curriculum that explores music's cultural aspects with CDs, activities, and a teacher's guide.
What teachers said: “Very kid-oriented. Good production value. Great on music concepts and multicultural themes.”
Warner Bros; www.music-expressions.com; Gr. K-12; prices vary; set shown here $678.


These reviews were originally published in the October 2003 issue of Instructor.
 
 
Back to Teacher Raves 2003 main page.