The Write Start: These Crayons Rock!

I originally learned about these crayons from this post. Developed by an occupational therapist, these rock-shaped crayons are great for encouraging young fingers to use a tripod grasp. They are made from a soy-based wax and they make bright strokes of bold color without having to use too much pressure. And don't they look so appealing when placed all together in a bowl in the middle of the table?

Here is some recent drawing/writing by my son using Crayon Rocks:

This work led to a conversation so wonderful that I had to write it down...

Me: That color dark blue reminds me of the ocean. What does it make you think about?

Jack: (Looking at me) It makes me think of Mommy. (I was wearing blue sweats at the time.) And the light blue reminds me of the sky.

Me: What does the red remind you of?

Jack: Fire trucks (of course!) and strawberries. And the yellow reminds me of machines (think excavators, bulldozers, etc).

Me: What does the green remind you of?

Jack: Flowers.

Me: And the orange?

Jack: (Thinks for a minute...) When the sun goes down.

Me: Oh! Sunsets! I love the way you think!

This drawing session illustrates (excuse the pun) a few important points about learning to write. First of all: VALUE SCRIBBLES. These messy masterpieces are a young writer's first stories and they speak volumes. Second of all, when your child says something brilliant (or cute, or funny, or insightful): WRITE IT DOWN. It helps children see there is a connection between their ideas and writing, before they are able to write them all on their own. And last but not least: GIVE KIDS INSPIRING WRITING TOOLS. These crayons definitely inspire us!

What writing tools do your children find irresistible?