resources

Box of crayons specially shaped to encourage the tripod grip, develop fine motor skills, provide handwriting practice and handwriting
skill, art supply for children, teaching child with sensory motor integration disorders or other special needs such as cerebral palsy or
autism, art material recommended by occupational therapists for children and special ed teachers. Art supply for preschools or
primary schools.

Joan Sarin
Crayon Rocks
9443 N. 33rd Way
Phoenix, AZ 85028

Dear Joan,

As an occupational therapist, I recently had the opportunity to use crayon rocks in a classroom with a first grade student. I was
impressed by how easy they are to use as well as how pretty they are! I was also impressed with the students’ lack of resistance
to using a crayon, even for writing assignments. The crayons seem to glide more smoothly than most crayons and can be used
for writing tasks that require fine movements or work in small spaces. The shape and size are perfect and it is almost impossible to
use an inefficient grip with crayon rocks.

Crayon rocks position the students’ fingers in a way that promote an appropriate tripod grip at early ages when crayons are most
likely to be used. While a tripod grip is not necessary for accurate writing, it is usually easier to write when the fingers are flexed
toward the thumb so that they can move dynamically and individually.

Promotion of a tripod grip strengthens the muscles that enable dynamic and isolated movement of the thumb and fingers in
opposition instead of needing to move the whole arm or forearm which increases fatigue. Promotion of an efficient grip that
strengthens the correct muscles at early ages becomes increasingly important at later ages for speed of writing and endurance for
longer assignments in early elementary school. Promotion of isolated and dynamic finger movements improves skilled finger use
for many functional tasks such as moving small objects in one’s hand, manipulating and putting together and taking apart small
objects.

I can’t imagine any pediatric occupational therapist who would not want to have crayon rocks as a part of their repertoire for
helping students to improve their hand skills. You have created a most helpful tool!

Sincerely,

Sue Trautman, MA, OTR/L
Director, Center for Developing Kids

Here are some websites that we think you might find
helpful if you work with children and handwriting:

1. Fun art and drawing products for children: The Stubby
Pencil Studio

2. Lots of help, products and information for
children with challenges: birthdefects.org

3. Center for Developing Kids, Specializing in Pediatric therapy
(Los Angeles area): centerfordevelopingkids.com

4. The Handwriting Clinic (in Georgia): Special courses for teachers,
parents and therapists on developing correct handwriting skills in children.
Many resources and courses for those interested in childhood writing
development. The Handwriting Clinic

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