Stacking Hoops is an innovative product combining what children love doing - building towers, sorting and transporting - with much of the awe and wonder of a treasure basket.
It is an endlessly fascinating and novel approach to the old nursery favourite, the stacking toy. The collection includes about 22 hoops made from a range of unusual natural and recycled materials such as banana leaves, natural reed, soapstone, chamois leather and recycled sari thread - all chosen for their contrasting texture, weight and colour as well as for the stories they tell and the themes they introduce.
The hoops have a rubberwood stand and come with three small bags for sorting, transporting and investigation, as well as activity, fact and story cards.
What sets this resource apart is its versatility, as babies will enjoy exploring the hoops with adult supervision, while toddlers and pre-schoolers will enjoy the challenge of building with the stand and older children will be inspired by its 'wow factor'.
As one parent says of Stacking Hoops, 'Sometimes you see a product that blows your socks off - by taking the classic stacking rings toy and mixing it up with treasure basket principles, a brand new sensory toy is born.'
Stacking Hoops supports the prime and specific areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage and embodies the characteristics of effective learning, giving it extensive educational and play value. This resource invites children to touch and experiment, inspiring rich language, communication and critical thinking.
Stacking Hoops recognises the importance of children's senses as the gateway to all learning by offering a sensory smorgasbord of age-appropriate experiences and opportunities. Handling the rings and stacking them promotes physical development, honing fine and gross motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination. The unusual nature of the rings means they are also great for promoting language by asking open-ended questions or using activity, discussion and storytelling.
Highly commended
Heritage Treasure Baskets, MJH Educational
The team of experts behind the heritage range of treasure baskets have pooled their combined experience and backgrounds in early play, early science and nursery management to develop a set of criteria for the basket and its contents. They resourced interesting and intriguing items, then made up the traditional willow baskets to suit various ages and stages. All baskets include a guidance leaflet explaining the rationale behind the baskets and how they link into and support the early years curriculum.
Finalists
Baby Posting Pots, TTS Group
Mini Micro 3in1 Scooter, Micro Scooters
Rambler Explorer, Walking Wagon
Criterion
Open to early years resources and equipment that support children's learning, development and enjoyment in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent.
