Introducing Effortless Art Crayons {REVIEW}

Encouraging a tripod grasp and a child's interest in drawing can be difficult.  As an occupational therapist, I am often asked to see these children to help them with their first steps in holding a "drawing implement" and to help them to make meaningful marks on the page.

We use the term "tripod grasp" to describe a grasp of the pencil or crayon with three fingers of the hand (thumb, index and third finger).  Ideally, movement and control of the implement also comes from the muscles of these fingers.  By about 4 years of age, a child can be encouraged to use a tripod grasp.  Not sure if your child is holding the pencil or crayon the way they should be? Refer to this article HERE which talks about developmentally appropriate pencil grasps, inefficient and functional grasps.

Introducing "Effortless Art Crayons" by Two Sparrows Learning Systems. "Effortless Art Crayons" are a uniquely shaped crayon which was originally designed with input from an occupational therapist.  They are short triangular shaped crayons that may be used at either end.  There is also a small raised section in the centre which may be used to assist grip (but doesn't need to be).  This unique shape works well for children of all ages. 

I found that the young OT kids whom I see (who are yet to develop a tripod grasp), held these crayons comfortably.  I encouraged these children to "pinch" the crayon, although the triangular shape lends itself to be held with one finger on each surface (ie. a tripod grasp).

There are six points of contact of the crayon to the page from the triangular ends, rather than the traditional one rounded end of a crayon promoting success in those beginning to marks on the page.   The crayons glide along the page easily, which explains the "effortless" in the name of this crayon.  Children do not need to exert much pressure onto the page which is really helpful if they have poor hand strength and poor control. Read about more tips for those who have difficulty with pencil pressure HERE.

We also found that the crayons could draw a controlled thin line or a thicker shaded line (the "art" aspect of the crayon).  My daughter, Miss 10 years especially enjoyed using these crayons to create!  According to her, they are the "best crayons ever" as they give her the control that she would otherwise have from pastels or coloured pencils but with the shading and depth of colour of a crayon.  {I have a feeling that I may have lost this set of crayons to her!}

Two Sparrows Learning System is a family owned business owned by Nancy and Jason.  Nancy is a former special education teacher.  The company vision is to "create learning products for all ages and abilities that are intuitive, inclusive, and environmentally conscious in design".  The "Effortless Art Crayons" are their first product and are hand made from 100% recycled crayons! This is a terrific initiative where old crayons are collected (and saved from being dumped in our environment) to produce these unique products.

"Effortless Art Crayons" are currently only available for shipping in the USA, however follow Two Sparrows Learning Systems on Facebook or Instagram to be kept up-to-date with new products and initiatives.  

What is your favourite crayon for those developing a tripod grasp? Have you tried these?

 Cindy Chuan is a registered Occupational Therapist practising in Sydney Australia.  She has two young children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun.

Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT 

Disclosure: This product was gifted to Your Kids OT for the purposes of a review.  Reviews and endorsements of products will only be made based on my expertise and personal opinion; and deemed worthy of such endorsement. The opinions shared in sponsored content will always be my own and not that of the advertising company or brand.

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