[fyrflymommy]

are these ok for an almost-2yr old??<br><br>
are they as indestructible as they say they are? i'm sick of finding broken crayons all over my house of stepping on them and breaking them.<br><br>
should i get the block or stick ones? my dd handlles stick crayons well....<br><br>
thanx everyone!!!!!

 

[zinemama]

I used both of these in Waldorf school, and I'd go with the blocks. My ds started using the blocks at your kid's age (my old ones, miraculously saved by my mom!) and they are super sturdy. (Him throwing them has been the only problem). I remember us kids breaking the stick ones in school, so if indestructibility is what you're after, go with the blocks

 

[PONOKELAMAMA]

LOVE EM! LOVE EM! LOVE EM!!!!!<br><br>
our ds has been using these since just over 2yrs and i wish i would have let him use them earlier! the washable crayons from crayola or whatever, break chip, rub off on everything!! but stockmar not only has brilliant color but also refuses to break and doesnt rub off on even the sweatiest little palms! although they are not washable, they come off on hard surfaces with Orange Glo or any other wood polish VERY easily. overall, coloring is tidier now than with the convenient washable crayons we used for way too long. also, they last for a really really long time! a freind has had the same set in her homeschool preschool for a year and they are pretty much the same size as when she bought them. personally, we like the sticks. the blocks are supposed to be easier for little hands but i think the sticks are more controllable for drwaing. ds wants the mark to be where he places the crayon, that does not really happen with the blocks and he is usually not very happy about that! i even have a hard time using the blocks. best bet would be to get a combo pack of both sticks and blocks that stockmare sells. good luck and happy coloring!!!

 

[DalaiMama]

oh my goodness, I want a set of these crayons for myself! :LOL They're so pretty. I'm finding it hard to rationalize spending ten dollars for crayons though.... ah well, I'm sure I can work it out in my head. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> I'd love to get Mylo a set for Christmas.

 

[ComeOnLetsGo]

I bought the Stockmar block crayons for ds #3 when he was small and they did not go over well at all! He found them very frustrating and hard to use. I ended up buying him the set of Stockmar sticks (in a lovely metal box) and all three boys love them. Their colors are so vibrant, and they give off a lovely beeswax scent when warmed up by little hands. Makes coloring such a nice activity!

 

[Parker'smommy]

I've never heard of these...link please!!!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin">

 

[Threefold]

<a href="http://www.rosiehippo.com/productdetail1.asp?groupnumber=S405" target="_blank">Stockmar Block Crayons</a><br><br>
I love them and so does ds. We got them for his 2nd birthday and he not only colors with them he also loves building with them:LOL . He has mastered drawing fine and thick lines with them. I think this year I'll get him the suplemental colors.<br><br>
The only complaint I have is that the hinge on the tin box broke.

 

[khrisday]

It does seem expensive, but they last forever. (or just about) I woudl get the blocks, but familiarize yourself with the way that they are used in Waldorf schools, because if you just give them to a kid and expect them to use them the way you use a regular crayon it will get frustrating for both of you.

 

[DalaiMama]

khris, could you give me a short explanation of how to best utilize these crayons? I can see how the block ones might be frustrating for little hands.<br><br>
TIA

 

[khrisday]

I'm not sure I can explain it very well without pictues, but you don't typically see them used to outline and color in a drawing the way you use normal crayons. You can use the sides to cover large areas at a time, and when you draw with them you sort of shade in the shape if that makes any sense.<br>
Here are a couple links<br><br><br><br><a href="http://www.live-education.com/2ndGrLessonArt.html" target="_blank">http://www.live-education.com/2ndGrLessonArt.html</a><br><a href="http://www.live-education.com/4thGrLessonDrawing.html" target="_blank">http://www.live-education.com/4thGrLessonDrawing.html</a>

 

[DalaiMama]

nak... thanks khris, that actually makes perfect sense! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up">

 

[nikirj]

We still have some that my DH and his brother both used as children. They are super sturdy, seriously...it is like the edges are just barely worn down. A super good buy, considering we went through several boxes of normal crayons before unearthing these in the closet.

 

[Parker'smommy]

ok, I have about zero artistic talent and those links didnt make sense to me.....<span style="font-size:xx-small;">i feel stupid!</span><br><br>
SO, if you dont know how to draw the Waldorf way it would be too frustrating? My ds is 19 months and is finally not eating the crayons we get at restaraunts and stuff so I figure he is somewhat ready for coloring. But, the block ones appeal to me because of the sturdiness, but I dont want to waste $30 on them if they wont be appropriate for us. I love to color and actually find it a relaxing activity so I really want to do this with my ds...I know selfish reasons but I think it would be fun!!

 

[Threefold]

I've never had any training on how to use block crayons and we had no problem with them. It didn't even occur to me that there might be a <i>wrong</i> way to use them. We got the tin box and it was around $18.

 

[Moon Light Mama]

We have three boxes of these, one for each child. They don't like sharing them since they are the most popular thing in our art box besides water colors.<br><br>
I think I bought the first two in 1999. The second one in 2001. Still going strong. The first one was a short box of blocks. They didn't go over very well. The second box was a short box of sticks. The third one was a long box (18 I think) of sticks. That is the most popular one because it has the most colors.<br><br>
Of all three boxes, only one crayon is broken. There are two other crayons (fav colors) that have been used down to the paper on one end. The rest are at various stages on the tips.<br><br>
Best deal I have ever had! And another thing. When your little one unknowingly puts a crayon in their mouth, you should be affraid if it is a real crayola crayon. But these bees wax crayons are very safe. We have a couple with teeth marks on them too!

 

[khrisday]

If you're worried about using the blocks, get the sticks. They will last you like no Crayola ever would, and the colors are really beautiful and vibrant.

 

[fyrflymommy]

hello. thanx for all the replies. i think i will get dd the stick crayons.