New Grant Program Rewards Creative Use of Toys in the Classroom

• By David Nagel
• 08/20/09

Toy maker Playmobil has launched a new grant program for elementary school teachers. The Playmobil Grants for Teachers program will award cash prizes and product awards for lesson plans that encourage classroom creativity.

According to Playmobil, the grant program will reward teachers for lesson plans that inspire creativity and that are easy to implement. Criteria for winning entries will also include originality and educational content. Lesson plans can be up to two pages in length and should include objectives, grade level, procedures, requirements, and results. A Playmobil play set should be the "primary demonstration tool in the lesson." Entries should also include a letter detailing how the awards would benefit students.

In total, 22 prizes will be awarded, including $1,400 cash grants and $3,175 in toys.

The grant program is open to all K-3 teachers teaching at an accredited school in the United States. The entry period is now through Nov. 15.

Further information about the grant program, including a PDF with full entry requirements and prize information, can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 25-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.

He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).