Teachers’ (Judges’) Evaluation Comments
Kwanzaa Teddy, The Curious Bear
Teachers’ Choice Award 2005
Q: What aspects of the product did you like the most?
Judge #1: The pictures are appealing and the story is broken down into “Day 1,” “Day 2,” etc., which makes it easier to read over a few days. There is a lot of information in the book.
Judge #2: A great addition to my Kwanzaa curriculum.
Judge #3: Easy to read and understand.
Q: What would you recommend to make this product better?
Judge #1: No recommendation.
Judge #2: Nothing.
Judge #3: Nothing, the story and pictures are good.
Q: How did you make use of the product or integrate it into your lesson plans?
Judge #1: I read “Day 1” the first day and we discussed the information. There is a lot to process with the new words. Next day, I read “Day 1” again and then “Day 2” and we discussed it. Each day, I read from the beginning and added one more day. We discussed the values and how we have those same values.
Judge #2: I enjoy teaching the children about the Kwanzaa celebration. I used it during circle time to introduce this unique celebration.
Judge #3: We ready the book during story time, even though it was not the right time of the year [during judging].
Q: How did your students react to the product?
Judge #1: They enjoyed the book, but I think they would have lost interest if I read the entire book at once. There are a lot of new words, but that is part of what makes it so informative and interesting.
Judge #2: The children enjoy a good story and definitely enjoyed this book.
Judge #3: They found it interesting.
Q: What skills could this product teach?
Judge #1: The book teaches about values—family, helping and supporting each other, responsibility, etc.
Judge #2: This book is a good example of multicultural differences.
Judge #3: The book gives an opportunity to explore and listen about other cultures.
Q: Do you feel this product effectively helps you meet state/national standards?
Judge #1: Yes, by introducing children to different ideas and differences in cultures.
Judge #2: Yes. It teaches values in all societies.
Judge #3: Yes. It reaches into various areas of state and national curricular standards.
Q: Would you purchase this product or recommend this product for the teacher at the appropriate grade level?
Why or why not?
Judge #1: Yes. It is great to have another addition to multicurriculum for this level (K-4) of education.
Judge #2: I would recommend this book. However, you need time to really involve children in the cultural aspect. I would consider this book a great resource through 2nd grade.
Judge #3: Yes, it would be valuable to read during the proper time of the year.
