Monday, August 1, 2011

Nordic Rocker {A Guidecraft Educator Review & Giveaway}

For educators, August often marks the beginning of the "end" of summer, as it's time to start preparing for a new school year. For those of you who haven't yet read my bio, I'm the lead teacher in a 4-year old Head Start classroom in Upstate NY. I've been blogging about children's books for just over two years and have recently decided to expand my blog from children's literature to children's products and all things learning related! Along with this decision, I was presented with the opportunity to participate as a "Guidecraft Educator." Each month, the Guidecraft Educators will share our honest feelings about a Guidecraft product(s) and how these products would fare in an early childhood classroom.

Our feature product this month is the Nordic Rocker.

About the Nordic Rocker

The Nordic Rocker is a part of Guidecraft's Table & Chairs collection. There are several pieces of furniture in this collection, ranging from your basic rocker (Nordic Rocker) to a Kiddie Couch to a Jr. Roll Top Desk with Chair. The Nordic Rocker is currently available only with a red cushion, however, after putting the chair together, if you're at all handy with a sewing machine, it would be simple to make a different colored cover to suit your decoration needs!

As for the assembly of the rocker, I was a bit overwhelmed when I opened the packaging, wondering how I'd figure it out... However, I was pleasantly surprised! The frame consisted of 4 wooden pieces and one metal piece. There were 20 pieces of hardware and one Allyn wrench included for the assembly. The assembly instructions were incredibly easy to understand and I was able to have the rocker assembled in less than 15 minutes! Definitely doable for a busy teacher!

What Do We Think?

Unfortunately, for the month of August, the "we" has become an "I," as school is out for the summer and I have no 4-year old friends to share their thoughts and uses for the Nordic Rocker. The completed, assembled rocker seems extremely durable and will (hopefully, spare any mistreatment by my little friends) last for many years in my classroom. I have spent a large amount of time this summer "redoing" my Quiet Area (not pictured - that's my porch where the rocker has made its home for the summer) to make it a more welcoming area for children to enjoy during their "work time" - exploratory play. I really think this rocker will make for a welcome addition, although I am seriously considering attempting to sew a different colored cover to help it fit in with the Quiet Area's pond theme a bit more! At some point, if I could secure some funding for it on my wish list, it would be really nice to add to the collection one of the Kiddie Couches!

As the Nordic Rocker awaits arrival in its new home, the pooch has found it to be a rather ideal perch for squirrel watching and just hanging out on a cool day!

Find Out More

You can find the entire line of Kids Table and Chair sets that Guidecraft offers on their website. The Nordic Rocker is available for purchase at Amazon.com and also through the Guidecraft website.

The Giveaway

Guidecraft is generously offering ONE Nordic Rocker to a reader of the Guidecraft Educators blogs!!!!

Here’s How To Win:

MANDATORY first entry:

  • Visit the Guidecraft Website, then come back and leave a comment here telling me which is your favorite product.

Optional additional entries (leave in a SEPARATE comment):

  • Become a fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.
  • "Like" Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge on Facebook.
  • Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway; @kateh12783 is giving away a Nordic Rocker from @guidecraft ~ http://katiesliteraturelounge.blogspot.com/2011/08/nordic-rocker-guidecraft-educator.html . Giveaway ends 8/8.
  • Become a follower of Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge, unless of course you already are. :) Just let me know!
  • Blog about this giveaway and share the link here.

Giveaway Information:

  • The give-away will be open until 11:59PM EST on Monday, August 8, 2011. The winner will be notified by Wednesday, August 10, 2011.
  • Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, winner will be chosen at random!
  • Please leave a way for me to contact you in your entry otherwise another winner will be chosen.
  • NOTE: This giveaway is offered to US and Canada residents only.

Want it NOW? If you can’t wait to win, the Nordic Rocker is available for purchase at Amazon.com and also through the Guidecraft website.





If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

169 comments:

style='clear: both;' Teacher Gone Digital said...

The Kiddie couch is my favorite product. Thank you for having this giveaway.
Teacher Gone Digital

style='clear: both;' Teacher Gone Digital said...

I'm a fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.
Teacher Gone Digital

style='clear: both;' Teacher Gone Digital said...

I "Like" Katie's Learning Lounge on Facebook.
Teacher Gone Digital

style='clear: both;' Teacher Gone Digital said...

I posted on my Facebook page about your giveaway www.facebook.com/TeacherGoneDigital
Teacher Gone Digital

style='clear: both;' Teacher Gone Digital said...

I'm a follower of Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge
Teacher Gone Digital

style='clear: both;' One Room Schoolhouse said...

I love the magneatos! Looks like the kids would love to play with them!
kmw0130@aol.com
LifeInSpecialEducation

style='clear: both;' One Room Schoolhouse said...

I like Guildcraft.
kmw0130@aol.com
LifeInSpecialEducation

style='clear: both;' One Room Schoolhouse said...

I like you on FB!
kmw0130@aol.com
LifeInSpecialEducation

style='clear: both;' One Room Schoolhouse said...

I follow your blog.
kmw0130@aol.com
LifeInSpecialEducation

style='clear: both;' Nic said...

Took a quick look at the Guidecraft website and the jumbo Magneatos look, well, neat! Great option for the young ones who can't use the small parts magnet connector toys yet.

Nicole
nicanne.ellis@gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Nic said...

Liked Guidecraft on FB
nicanne.ellis@gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Nic said...

Liked Katie's Learning Lounge on FB
nicanne.ellis@gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Nic said...

following you on twitter as @nicanneellis
nicanne.ellis@gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Nic said...

tweeted about this giveaway as @nicanneellis
nicanne.ellis@gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Kendra said...

Oh my goodness, I am SOOO excited about this giveaway! I have had my eye on the kiddie chairs at the Guidecraft website for about 5 years now! I even posted about it on my blog recently! I went to the website, and saw that they also have a teacher rocker, and I selfishly would almost rather have that than the kiddie ones, now. (Of course the kids could sit in it when I wasn't.) :)

style='clear: both;' Kendra said...

I liked Guidecraft on FB. :)

style='clear: both;' Kendra said...

I Like you on Facebook!

Light a Candle

style='clear: both;' Kendra said...

I'm crossing my fingers AND toes....
I am now a follower of your blog. You can contact me at kendralr@yahoo.com I will be unplugged from computer until Thursday night of that week! Yay, me!

Light a Candle

style='clear: both;' Kendra said...

Blogged about it!

Kendra at Light a Candle
kendralr@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' Melissa said...

The kitchen helper is my favorite product

style='clear: both;' Melissa said...

Liked on fb
intheduckblind at alaska dot net

style='clear: both;' Melissa said...

now following with google reader
intheduckblind at alaska dot net

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I LOVE the kitchen helper! My little chef is dying to be able to reach the counters! lemolettiere at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;' Allie said...

Hi ~ What a wonderful blog. I of course follow you. I really like the storage unit in the guidecraft toys and furniture. I would also love to have a Nordic Rocker in my library corner at school. I will post this on my facebook page. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas. ~ Allie

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I like your page on facebook! lemolettiere at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;' Dorothy.Shapland said...

I love the center stage table top puppet theater!
dorothyshapland@questioningdot.com

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I tweeted the giveaway @signingwithlara

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I like Guidecraft on facebook! lemolettiere at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;' Dorothy.Shapland said...

I like Guidecraft on FB

style='clear: both;' Dorothy.Shapland said...

I like you on FB

style='clear: both;' Dorothy.Shapland said...

I am following your blog

style='clear: both;' Linda said...

I LOVE Guidecraft's Deluxe Art Center!

style='clear: both;' Linda said...

I became a fan of Guidecraft on facebook.

style='clear: both;' Linda said...

I "Liked" Katie's Learning Lounge on facebook.

style='clear: both;' Linda said...

I posted a tweet about your giveaway on Twitter.
http://twitter.com/#!/katsmeow58

style='clear: both;' Linda said...

I am now following you on Twitter.
ljcardenas@aol.com

style='clear: both;' Mrs. B. said...

I love the big book storage/display items at Guidecraft - great solutions to a big problem. Thank you for this opportunity to win!
amyburl@aol.com

style='clear: both;' hangerlady28150 said...

I follow you on FB.

I would love to win the Nordic rocker. It would be a fantastic addition to my classroom.

hangerlady28150@yahoo.com

Debra

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

I love your site! As a prek teacher in NY ways to excite my teaching are always appreciated. My favorite guidecraft product is their amazing all in one art center! Wow what an addition to a classroom it would make!

style='clear: both;' MrsB said...

I visited the Guidecraft website and am so excited about the different versions of Tabletop blocks - Greek, Castle, etc. My students like to look at books of buildings and try to build them (we're a church preschool, so inevitably, they want to build a church). The unit blocks leave something to be desired in that area. These would be so cool!

style='clear: both;' MrsB said...

I like Guidecraft on fb. bedard.julie@gmail.com

style='clear: both;' NicoleRae said...

I really loved the puppet theater for dramatic play! Becoming a fan and liking you on F.B. now....

style='clear: both;' NicoleRae said...

I follow your blog. (schink.nicolerae@gmail.com)

style='clear: both;' NicoleRae said...

I like Guidecraft on facebook. (schink.nicolerae@gmail.com)

style='clear: both;' NicoleRae said...

I LOVE the puppet theater for dramatic play! (schink.nicolerae@gmail.com)

style='clear: both;' Annette W. said...

I like the discovery table!

derekannette at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;' Annette W. said...

I'm a new follower!

style='clear: both;' Denise said...

I love the ART TABLE & CHAIR SET (Red) from http://guidecraft.com

style='clear: both;' Denise said...

I became a fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.

style='clear: both;' Denise said...

I posted the giveaway on my facebook

style='clear: both;' Denise said...

I Liked Katie's Little Ones Learning Lounge on Facebook.

style='clear: both;' Denise said...

I am following Katies little ones!

style='clear: both;' Denise said...

I blogged about the giveaway on my new preschool blog http://playlearnteach.wordpress.com (It is brand new and I am still formatting it!)

style='clear: both;' Dianne said...

I love all of the play furniture for the children at Guildcraft especially their play kitchens. I have an inhome family daycare and licensed with the State of TN. I am always looking for neat ideas and cool things for the daycare. Thank you for the great ideas that you share with us. Would love to have one of the Nordic rockers to add to my daycare. Thanks

style='clear: both;' Mandy said...

I like the safari clothes tree.

style='clear: both;' Carol said...

The Table Top Puppet Theater is my favorite product.

doeling@sbcglobal.net

style='clear: both;' Carol said...

I like you on Facebook!
doeling@sbcglobal.net

style='clear: both;' Carol said...

I follow your blog!
doeling@sbcglobal.net

style='clear: both;' Patti said...

Patti says

I loved the dress up station
I tweeted and posted on facebook
cakes7342@aol.com

style='clear: both;' Lisa said...

I have their fraction action cups and LOVE them. I am, however, drooling over their Deluxe Art Center :)
PS Thanks for having this giveaway!
lisa@Praisedancers.org

style='clear: both;' Lisa said...

I like Katie's (Little Ones) Learning Lounge on Facebook!
Lisa@Praisedancers.org

style='clear: both;' Lisa said...

I am a fan of Guidecraft on FB!
Lisa@PraiseDancers.org

style='clear: both;' Lisa said...

I tweeted about this giveaway
Lisa@Praisedancers.org

style='clear: both;' Lisa said...

I am following you on Twitter
Lisa@Praisedancers.org

style='clear: both;' Lisa said...

I posted this on my Facebook page
Lisa@Praisedancers.org

style='clear: both;' Educational creativity said...

How are you suppose to chose a favorite from so many neat things? well I like the media carousel. I think it could hold so much, like the whole writing center, without taking up too much room. I would love to see the sweetie pie collection in my daughters room.

style='clear: both;' Diane O said...

I went to the Guidecraft website and really like the Hideaway Country Kitchen
dolmsteadcu@gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Roses - Mama Magic said...

I like all the Guidecraft furnture options in neutral and dark cherry tones, esp. the mission table and chair set.
abundant.abundantroses.roses@gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I visited Guidecraft and really like the kiddie rockers!
Jennifer
laughinbrunette@hotmail.com
First Grade Blue SKies

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I like Guidecraft on FB!
Jennifer
laughinbrunette@hotmail.com
First Grade Blue SKies

style='clear: both;' Lentil said...

I love all things Guidecraft! The Hideaway Playtime Kitchen simply rocks -- my kiddo would adore it!

style='clear: both;' Lentil said...

follow guidecraft on fb pabav at aol (dot) com

style='clear: both;' Lentil said...

follow with gfc

style='clear: both;' Staci A said...

I love the Safari Book Display too!
mommastaci33 at yahoo dot com

style='clear: both;' Staci A said...

I liked Guidecraft on FB.
mommastaci33 at yahoo dot com

style='clear: both;' Staci A said...

I like your site on Facebook.
mommastaci33 at yahoo dot com

style='clear: both;' Staci A said...

I follow your site. Thanks!
mommastaci33 at yahoo dot com

style='clear: both;' Holly G said...

My favorite product is the Magneatos! My kids have these at home and love them!!

hollyshaun0528@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' Holly G said...

I like Guidecraft on FB!

hollyshaun0528@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' Holly G said...

I liked you on FB.

hollyshaun0528@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' Holly G said...

I tweeted.

http://twitter.com/#!/TwinglesMom42/status/98573370106462209

hollyshaun0528@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' Holly G said...

I'm now follower of your blog. :)

hollyshaun0528@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I am loving the little kid rockers!

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I am a fan of Guidecraft on FB :)

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I sent a tweet out about this giveaway.

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I posted about this giveaway on FB

style='clear: both;' Unknown said...

I am following Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge

style='clear: both;' Tanya M said...

I love Guidecraft Fraction Board!

style='clear: both;' Tanya M said...

I like Guidecraft on Facebook.

style='clear: both;' Tanya M said...

I like "Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge" on Facebook

style='clear: both;' Tanya M said...

I now follow Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge.

style='clear: both;' Tanya M said...

I posted about this giveaway on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&note_id=137152156371687

style='clear: both;' Tanya M said...

I blogged about this giveaway.
http://tasik77.livejournal.com/3129.html

style='clear: both;' Stephanie said...

Market Loft - just awesome!
tvollowitz at aol dot com

style='clear: both;' Stephanie said...

liked Guidecraft on Facebook
tvollowitz at aol dot com

style='clear: both;' Stephie C said...

I also love the kitchen helper!
sunni08 at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;' ♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

I like the All IN ONe Play Kitchen
http://guidecraft.com/product/134265/G97249/_/All_In_One_Play_Kitchen

itzacin {at} aol {dot} com

style='clear: both;' ♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

http://twitter.com/#!/Little_Yayas/status/98912441311838208

itzacin {at} aol {dot}com

style='clear: both;' ♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

I am a follower :)
Yayas Mommy

itzacin {at} aol {dot} com

style='clear: both;' Skylar said...

I follow your blog on google reader:)

style='clear: both;' Skylar said...

I looooove the magnetos from guidecraft, and the fraction cups... oh, and ALL the book display shelves:)

style='clear: both;' Kristin said...

I love Guidecraft products! My favorite item is the double sided bookshelf. How wonderful it would be in my classroom library!

style='clear: both;' Kristin said...

I am a follower:)

style='clear: both;' Kristin said...

I blogged about your giveaway!

http://ofprimaryimportance.blogspot.com/2011/08/rockin-giveaway.html

style='clear: both;' Tanya said...

My fave is the sit and read center. How amazing is that?!
☺ Tanya
First Grade is Fantabulous!
fantabulous1stgr@aol.com

style='clear: both;' jppope said...

My favorite is the Sun Sorter.
jppope@mindspring.com

style='clear: both;' jppope said...

I am a fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.
jppope@mindspring.com

style='clear: both;' jppope said...

I am a fan of Katie's (Little Ones) Learning Lounge on Facebook.
Jppope@mindspring.com

style='clear: both;' Sandra said...

Oh, I love "Deluxe Art Center"

style='clear: both;' Sandra said...

I am a fan of Guidecraft on FB (Sandra Milosevic)

style='clear: both;' Sandra said...

I like you on FB

style='clear: both;' Sandra said...

Tweet http://twitter.com/#!/sandrachirps/status/99304459104026626

style='clear: both;' Sandra said...

I follow your blog.

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

I liked Guidecraft's Facebook page

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

I like Guidecraft's lofts on their webpage.

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

I liked Katie's Facebook page

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

I posted the giveaway on my Facebook page

style='clear: both;' Mama Mandy said...

I love the nordic rocker and the book shelves! So simple and beautiful!

style='clear: both;' Mama Mandy said...

I already like Guidecraft on FB!

style='clear: both;' Keys4Education said...

I am follower! :o)

Jennifer
jennkeys@gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Jill said...

My favorite product is the play loft

style='clear: both;' Jill said...

I am a fan of Guidecraft on fb

style='clear: both;' Jill said...

I liked Katie's little ones learning on fb.

style='clear: both;' pamalot said...

My fave product is the table top castle blocks

pamfreecycle at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;' pamalot said...

I am a facebook fan of guidecraft
pam w h

style='clear: both;' pamalot said...

I am a facebook fan of katies

pam w h

style='clear: both;' pamalot said...

https://twitter.com/#!/Pamalot28/status/99536069082628097

style='clear: both;' paulasue said...

Hi, Love this giveaway! And I also like the Deluxe Art Center. Thanks for hosting this great giveaway. Paula C. paulasue39@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' paulasue said...

Retweeted - https://twitter.com/Sexyknickers68_/status/99551803548512256 Paula C. paulasue39@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' paulasue said...

I like Guidecraft on FB - Paula C. paulasue39@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' paulasue said...

I like Katie's Little Ones Learning on FB - Paula C. paulasue39@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' paulasue said...

Became a follower of Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge on GFC - Paula Caudill paulasue39@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' paulasue said...

Shared on FB - https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=151223834956965&id=1304929686 Paula C. paulasue39@yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' Keys4Education said...

My favorite product is the Market Loft! So cute! :o)

Jennifer
jennkeys @ gmail . com

style='clear: both;' Keys4Education said...

I tweeted your giveaway! :o)

Jennifer

style='clear: both;' The girl who painted trees said...

I love their hideaway kitchen.

juliecerdas at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;' Pamela said...

I just love the See and Store Dress Up Center- Natural! What a great idea!

style='clear: both;' Pamela said...

I'm a Guidecraft fan on FB

style='clear: both;' Pamela said...

I like Katie's on FB :-)

style='clear: both;' Pip444 said...

I really like the media cart
spec@live.ca

style='clear: both;' Pip444 said...

fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.
Lilac C
spec@live.ca

style='clear: both;' Pip444 said...

"Like" Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge on Facebook
Lilac C
spec@live.ca

style='clear: both;' Pip444 said...

https://twitter.com/#!/Elfvixen/status/99658952161243136
spec@live.ca

style='clear: both;' Pip444 said...

https://twitter.com/#!/Elfvixen/status/99891042446356481
spec@live.ca

style='clear: both;' bison61 said...

YANKEES TOY CHEST

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

style='clear: both;' Wife Gaining Strength said...

I love the Art Activity desk for kids. It allows the children to have multiple art supplies at their finger tips.

style='clear: both;' Pip444 said...

https://twitter.com/#!/Elfvixen/status/100229597509058560
spec@live.ca

style='clear: both;' wmmahaney said...

I love the Mission Bookshelf. What a versatile piece to have.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net

style='clear: both;' wmmahaney said...

I follow in Google Reader
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

I love the Hideaway Country Kitchen!

canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/mommygiveaways/status/100402682354872320

canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

Following you on GFC.

canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

Blogged about this giveaway:
http://canadianmommygiveaways.blogspot.com/2011/08/guidecraft-nordic-rocker.html

canadianmommygiveaways at gmail dot com

style='clear: both;' Tina L. said...

I like the Mission Storage Bench with Baskets.

tleesfb at yahoo dot ca

style='clear: both;' Tina L. said...

tweet http://twitter.com/#!/tlee351/status/100410889211084801

tleesfb at yahoo dot ca

style='clear: both;' Pip444 said...

https://twitter.com/#!/Elfvixen/status/100658244556570625
spec@live.ca

style='clear: both;' Heather R said...

I love the Pirate Collection Rocking Chair

thransom(at)gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Heather R said...

I am a fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.
(T.h.Ransom)

thransom(at)gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Heather R said...

Shared on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/THRansom/posts/233745023331560

thransom(at)gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Heather R said...

I "Like" Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge on Facebook.
(T.h.Ransom)

thransom(at)gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Heather R said...

I am a follower of Katie's {Little Ones} Learning Lounge

thransom(at)gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Tylerpants said...

My son would love the Magneatos Jumbo Master Builder Series 148 pcs. How fun! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Tylerpants said...

I'm a Katie's (Little Ones) Learning Lounge fan on Facebook (Lisa L). tylerpants(at)gmail.com

style='clear: both;' Tina L. said...

http://twitter.com/#!/tlee351/status/100756001128595456

tleesfb at yahoo dot ca

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

From the Guidecraft website, I really like the Deluxe Art Center. Sku G51082.

dod@rogers.com

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

I am a fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.

Facebook ID: Pauline Milner Pike

dod@rogers.com

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

I am following your blog publically with Google Friend Connect.

GFC ID: dod

dod@rogers.com

style='clear: both;'
Anonymous said...

Tweet:

http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/100776232119054336

dod@rogers.com

style='clear: both;' Amanda said...

Great giveaway! My classroom could use some of their wonderful wooden blocks, but I love all of their furniture and would love a kitchen helper for home. ;)