My little ones are between 18 mos and 3. Our crayons are always getting broken and markers usually make a great mess. We've tried twistables but once they learned how to advance the crayon, that was all over. What do you use for coloring time?

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Each child has their own art supply caddy filled with age appropriate supplies bought specifically for them.

Check out the rock crayons, I think they may suit your group better. http://crayonrocks.com/ https://smile.amazon.com/NEW-Crayon-...s=rock+crayons

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Nothing wrong with broken crayons....

I keep all my broken and naked crayons in a plastic bin.
Any of the kids are welcome to use them.

Markers here are a privilege for those children that wear underwear and use the toilet. If not, crayons are the only option and while I myself, personally prefer a nicely sharpened tipped crayon, the DCK's really don't care so I don't stress about broken crayons.

The little seem to be able to hold the smaller ones better anyways and if the paper is missing, even better!

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Awesome! Thank you!

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You can keep all the broken crayons and make your own crayon rocks too!

Super easy to do and lots of different styles etc...

http://www.instructables.com/id/MINI...-Broken-Crayo/

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I usually only let kids use markers once they've shown me that they're responsible enough to close them properly. The others use pencil/wax crayons. I've never had trouble with pencils crayons being broken. Wax crayons, sure, but I don't mind too much. The broken bits go back in the container if they're not too small. I use an old cookie tin for the wax crayons - the kids love looking through the crayons. It's like a little treasure box full of colour.

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The problem with the regular crayons is that some of them keep biting on them. I'm always digging crayon bits out of their mouths.

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If they are eating them, I make sure I am right next to them then when we do a coloring activity. If I am not able to be near them, then they are just too young in my book to color.

Alternate activities in regards to art can be provided. Coloring isn't something I think the kids HAVE to do..kwim?

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Wait on the rock crayons. They just made our "not for under 3" list; AFTER being recommended to us as "preferred" just last year.

Try https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197UCD1M?psc=1 < that style, instead to be safe if participating in QRIS.

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If you've got some silicone molds you can fill them with crayon bits, melt them and make some very cool crayons. We have Dino's and snowflakes at the moment they are pretty tough to break since they end up thick.
But yeah, eating them means they can only use them when I'm able to be right there with them.

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I don't like markers so we don't use markers in my program unless a special art project requires the use of them.

I love beewax crayons and good quality color pencils on paper. I also love pastels.

Most of my students are 2 years right now and for crayons we use:

Stockmar Beeswax Block Crayons (most often used)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...oop_bw_c_x_5_w

Stockmar Stick Crayons (for children who show respect for them)
https://www.amazon.com/Stockmar-Bees...JD43SRW52KNGE9

Melissa & Doug Triangle Crayons (anytime use, outdoors/indoors, children learning grip but not trusted with Stockmar stick crayons, etc.)
https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-...d+doug+crayons

I have tried and like rock crayons but one child puts things in their mouth and he consistently tries to eat them (maybe they look like candy to him).

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I buy chunky crayons for the smaller kids. I find the crayons break off when I use them, they are too darn skinny! My 7 years old is the only one who uses the skinny crayons because they fit perfectly in her hand. I also buy chunky markers too.

Colouring is definitely one of thise activities that require direct supervision with young ones. I usually bring out the art supplies while the babies are napping in the morning or
I put the older kids at a taller table to colour.

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I am sitting with them when they color but I think it's pure entertainment for my 2yo to take a bite when I look away to pay attention to someone else. She's a stinker. I like the rock crayon idea. I'm definitely not crafty or disciplined enough to make my own. I'll have broken crayon pieces collected for months before I finally throw them away. Any other cheap and easy art projects you do for them to take home? Let me know. Pinterest is overwhelming.

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Some fun ideas!


http://happyhooligans.ca/art-with-melted-crayons/
https://www.kixcereal.com/4-ways-to-...e-crayon-bits/
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf666289.tip.html
http://buggyandbuddy.com/crafts-for-...ayon-shavings/

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What a good idea! I've seen it before but never thought to actually do it

We did it this afternoon and it turned out well! The kids like them and they had fun making them! My pile of broken crayons are rejuvenated!!!

I'm waiting on Easter to come! I bought us some egg-shaped chalk from the dollar store and then found some eggs shaped crayons that Crayola makes as well. They will be the group "present" for easter

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Markers and oil pastels.. My kids have always preferred markers over crayons! They use them for much longer periods of time and are much more engaged.

I have no trouble with markers.

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