Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers?
Posted by Jen Bragg on 24 Feb 2010 | Posted in: Organization and Supplies, Teachers and Teaching
On the shelf behind my desk is a gallon-size plastic bag. In it are crayons, markers, and colored pencils representing every color of the rainbow. A few of the colored pencils need to be sharpened, and I’m sure I could retire more than a few of the markers. But I keep the supplies handy because different tasks require different tools. You know, I need crayons to make worksheet keys, colored pencils when I need to draw fine lines, and markers for creating things like classroom charts. Of the three, I’d have to say I like markers best.
Now when it came to the tools my students used in class, that was a different story. I hated it when they used markers. Crayons, fine. Colored pencils, even better (except when they needed to be sharpened). But markers, yech! Markers covered my students’ hands, their clothes, and their desks. Markers covered printed text to the point where it couldn’t be read and then, when the markers began to dry out, they made students’ work look terrible. I bet you can picture those sad, faded lines, can’t you? I know, I know—I shouldn’t have been that picky. I should have been happy that my students had supplies to use. What can I say? I was picky, and I did all I could to discourage the use of markers in my classroom.
Which do you prefer: crayons, colored pencils, or markers? Or maybe you have no preference at all. Share your thoughts!
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46 Responses to “Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers?”
More Comments Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] Show All Comments
More Comments Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] Show All Comments
My kids mostly use crayons. However if I am making things that need laminated or kids are making books then I prefer colored pencils, they don’t melt.
Even though it tends to be a little messier, I let my 2 and 3 year olds use markers. They almost always choose markers over any other tool. Since they are just beginning to gain fine motor coordination, the markers allow them to create without frustration over angle and grip. FYI: markers easily wipe off of slick surfaces such as laminate.
OOPS I said crayons or markers….I meant crayons and colored pencils are better for the muscles in the kido’s hands.
If you have markers that are on their last legs, give a little tiny bit of water and let the child dip it into the water like water color paint. I also don’t really use markers a lot. It isn’t because they are messy but it isn’t as good for the child. They don’t have to gauge pressure or use hand muscles like they do with crayons or markers. (I only use markers for art projects) I will say, I like the idea or skinny markers though. I think next year that criteria will be on my supply list. Personally, I have my students use colored pencils when we do our “Letter Journals” each morning. I really feel like it is a great first step to learning to write. The students look forward to it. I write the date, the letter in capital and lower case on the board. Then I draw three pictures of something that starts with the letter. I write the word next to each item. They get to draw a little, but the main focus is on the letter of that day. My students are 4 and 5 and they feel like “big kids” when they do their journals.
My classroom has a marker Friday rule.They can only use markers on Fridays. It works out great. It eliminates the question of “Can we use markers?” I just reply, “Is it Friday?”
Exploring different art mediums is so important that I love colored pencils, crayons, and markers. I especially like the markers because they are easy for small hands to grip. You can resolve some of the drying out issues by creating several egg carton size storage container where the markers caps are stuck in plaster paris or some other product that holds them in place. Then when the students finish with a marker they simply stick it back in its cap in the storage container. Of course their is the stand by phrase to say to kids when they are drawing on things other then paper, “If you can’t use it right, then you loose it, right?” I also find going over how we use markers very helpful, too. My three year old has markers and other art supplies at her disposal since she turned two and (knock on wood) we haven’t had an issue yet.
Yes, those markers can be messy! I have found that my children in Extended Day love to help me check the markers to see which ones are keepers! We sit together as volunteers put marks on a piece of paper. If the marker is a keeper, it goes in a container. If it is not, into the trash bin it goes. After we finish we even have some interesting art creations!
You know, I really never thought about removing markers! I hate them! They are gone forever.
Now, can someone please give me some tips on keeping my desk clutter free? HELP!!!
Without a doubt I prefer colored pencils first, then crayons. Markers…..hardly EVER!! I wish I could “require” twistables, but not a reality unfortunately.
I love the twistable crayons and pencils. The pencils never need sharpening and the tips of the crayons do not break off. Next year they go on my required list.