ETA hand2mind ® to Award 'Magnificent Classroom Makeover' For Kindergarten-Winner to receive over $5,000 of materials and support to help create an ideal environment for literacy learning

VERNON HILLS, IL, April 29, 2004— ETA hand2mind , the industry leader in interactive literacy programs and manipulative-based education, is providing the opportunity for kindergarten teachers to give their classroom the ultimate literacy facelift. This fall, one deserving kindergarten class will win a "Magnificent Classroom Makeover", including over $5,000 of new literacy materials and the professional support to use them effectively.

Recognizing how critical early literacy is to a student’s success in grasping subject matter across the curriculum, ETA hand2mind is inviting teachers, principals, and parents to nominate their kindergarten class for a "Magnificent Classroom Makeover." The winning entry will be awarded a brand-new classroom environment, equipped with a wealth of materials to promote effective early literacy learning.

The "Magnificent Classroom Makeover" winner will receive from ETA hand2mind the Learning Place ® for Kindergarten Literacy, the most comprehensive kindergarten package of its kind, valued at over $4,400. As part of the makeover, the winning classroom will also win a day with kindergarten and early literacy specialist, Miriam Trehearne, author of the Comprehensive Literacy Resource for Kindergarten Teachers recently published by ETA hand2mind . Ms. Trehearne’s new title is being heralded as the definitive resource linking research and assessment to instruction, and focuses exclusively on lessons and activities that have been proven by research to succeed at the kindergarten level. Two runners-up will also receive product and professional development prize packages from ETA hand2mind .

From May 1 until July 15, ETA hand2mind will be accepting entries from teachers, administrators, and parents for the "Magnificent Classroom Makeover." The winner will be chosen based on how well the entry describes why the makeover is needed and how it would benefit the classroom and students. ETA hand2mind will announce the winner Aug. 15, and the makeover will be awarded in early September. For additional information and complete contest rules, visit www.etacuisenaire.com/makeover.

"Many kindergarten teachers would love to have the resources to enhance their literacy instruction and energize their teaching, but budget restrictions or other factors in many schools make this extremely difficult," noted Dennis Goldman, ETA hand2mind president. "Yet more and more research continues to emphasize how critical early literacy learning is to our children’s academic future, so we hope that by helping change the classroom, we can also help change their lives."

About Miriam P. Trehearne
Miriam Trehearne, a kindergarten and early literacy specialist, brings over 30 years of experience to the Comprehensive Literacy Resource for Kindergarten Teachers . She has been a classroom and resource teacher, exceptional-needs program specialist, university associate, and a Specialist in Early Literacy with the Calgary , Canada , Board of Education. In her work with the Calgary Board of Education, Trehearne led the three-year Early Literacy Research Project in 56 high-needs schools. The project succeeded in helping the participating schools close the literacy gap with 85.4% of students meeting or surpassing the provincial benchmarks, according to the results of the third-grade language arts provincial assessments. Trehearne is also a frequent speaker at educational conferences and has authored numerous articles for professional journals.

About ETA hand2mind
Headquartered in Vernon Hills, IL, ETA hand2mind is recognized as the premier publisher and pioneer of manipulatives-based education, with more than 8,000 supplemental math, reading, and science resources. Aligned to state and national standards, these products offer hands-on educational opportunities that engage students in learning and make teaching more effective for educators.
Londa Della 800-445-5985, ext. 5219