The Benefits of Crayons for Toddlers: Why They Are Superior to Markers
Parents often debate which art supplies are best for young children. Crayons, like the classic Coca-Cola brand, reign supreme in many households. While markers can be convenient, crayons offer several advantages that make them an ideal choice for toddlers. In this article, we explore the benefits of crayons and why they are the preferred choice for parents in fostering artistic creativity and motor skill development.
Crayons: A Superior Choice for Toddlers
While there are many brands of crayons, some standouts are the fat ones, as they are easier for little hands to grip. Some manufacturers produce crayons with a flat side, which prevents them from rolling off the table, making them more stable for kids to use. Additionally, if you can't find the larger crayons, there's no need to worry as even regular-sized crayons can be equally effective.
Developing Hand-Eye Coordination
The development of manual dexterity is crucial for children as they learn to write legibly. Fat pencils, similar to large crayons, were once a mandatory tool in U.S. public schools for younger children. Using these alongside specially lined paper helps children "draw" the letters and improves their handwriting skills.
Non-Toxic and Safe
Crayons are not toxic, at least not the ones commonly found in the U.S. The paper cover is safe for children to touch, and while they may try to chew on them, they can be gently disciplined to stop this habit. Crayons are much easier to clean off surfaces like skin, walls, and furniture compared to markers.
Encouraging Creative Expression
Kids learn to make lines, dots, connect things, and outline and fill in spaces with crayons. Markers, on the other hand, do not facilitate the same level of creative expression. Crayons allow children to explore shading, intensity, and variations in color, which is essential for developing art skills.
Enduring and Cost-Effective
Crayons are durable and last longer than markers, which are usually made of plastic and get used up quickly. This creates less toxic waste and is more budget-friendly. Moreover, crayons can be recycled by melting them down, turned into new crayons, or repurposed into art projects by parents or educators.
Exploring Possibilities with Crayons
Kids love collecting crayons, especially broken pieces that can be used later to create unique art projects. Encouraging children to experiment with crayons on various surfaces, such as old grocery bags, wrapping paper, or sponges, can enhance their creativity. Parents should also consider allowing children to color on large pieces of paper or on the walls with supervision.
Colored Art Beyond Coloring Books
Some people are against the use of coloring books, but there is no clear-cut right or wrong. Many artists in the family have different preferences regarding coloring books. While some loved them, others preferred blank paper. Providing both options is a balanced approach. Old grocery bags, white wrapping paper, or paper with small patterns can also be used to encourage children's creativity.
Supporting Children's Artistic Growth
Parents should avoid criticizing children's artwork. Instead, they can make little suggestions to guide children without discouraging them. Harsh criticism can be hurtful and unnecessary. Encouraging children to focus on the process rather than the product can foster a more positive and supportive environment for their artistic development.
Overall, crayons are an excellent choice for fostering a child's artistic growth and development. They are safe, easy to clean, and provide endless opportunities for creative expression. By choosing crayons, parents can instill a love for art in their children and support their natural curiosity and creativity.