This all-in-one music exploration machine is perfect for introducing young children to the many different ways that sounds can be produced. It's also a wonderful way to learn to make music together.
There are 15 instruments, including thumb piano, bicycle bell, drums and shakers, and room for six children to play together at a time. The product encourages music-making to be a social and communicative activity as children develop 'musical conversations'.
Early years educator Craig Trafford from Early Ears Music says, 'This multi-instrument workstation provides a fantastic opportunity for children, right across the early years and primary education range, to experience social music-making in a fun way. The design means that the children are facing each other and this provides a very positive, open community environment for them to begin making music together.'
The instruments make a range of different sounds and timbres and also encourage different physical movements - from pulling to lifting, plucking, shaking and hitting.
Each Mini Music Maker is supplied with an activity guide detailing musical games and exercises which link game-playing, movement, singing and music-making, encouraging auditory development, listening, language, beat and rhythm recognition.
Judges commented on how beautiful the Mini Music Maker is, with an internal umbrella which can be replaced with a 1.5m Balinese umbrella for use outdoors. Children at Dagnall Under Fives in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire all love the music maker. 'Everyone just says "wow!" when they see it,' says pre-school leader Ann Tobin.
SPECIAL COMMENDATION
Haven Holidays' 'Fun and Fitness' campaign
In recognition of Haven Holiday's contribution to the early years sector through its Fun and Fitness campaign, the judges have awarded the company a special commendation.
More than 2,000 nurseries and playgroups have benefited from free sports equipment through the scheme, which is endorsed by the Pre-school Learning Alliance, Scottish Pre-school Play Association and Wales Pre-school Providers Association. Early years practitioners have warmly welcomed the initiative, which has provided quality resources, worth between £150 and £250, depending on size of setting, that they would otherwise have been unable to afford.
Settings have commented that the chests of bean bags, hoops, balls, foam flyers, cones and parachutes have enhanced their outdoor play opportunities and enabled them to hold a sports day for the first time.
