Dry Erase Crayons?

[Febby]

I'm hoping to find an alternative to dry erase markers. I'm tired of kids hitting them against white boards, etc. and breaking the tips. Or losing the caps.

Do they work (well)? Are they easier/harder to get off walls, tables, floors, etc.? And do children actually like them?

[NoMoreJuice!]

I have several binders full of laminated pages that I let the kids work on. I've switched to the dry erase crayons because my crazy boys won't stop pounding and destroying the markers, or losing caps, etc. I have designated tables for coloring and of course they color all over them as well as the pages. Comes right off with a damp rag or wipe. I only use Crayola brand, and for regular coloring crayons I only use the Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable crayons. They're larger than normal crayons, so great for little fingers. So are the dry erase ones btw.

I would like some advertising money from Crayola if someone could put me in touch.

ETA: Yes, the kids love the dry erase crayons and the washables! The two year olds think Crayola tastes way better than off-brand!

[Thriftylady]

I have several binders full of laminated pages that I let the kids work on. I've switched to the dry erase crayons because my crazy boys won't stop pounding and destroying the markers, or losing caps, etc. I have designated tables for coloring and of course they color all over them as well as the pages. Comes right off with a damp rag or wipe. I only use Crayola brand, and for regular coloring crayons I only use the Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable crayons. They're larger than normal crayons, so great for little fingers. So are the dry erase ones btw.

I would like some advertising money from Crayola if someone could put me in touch.

ETA: Yes, the kids love the dry erase crayons and the washables! The two year olds think Crayola tastes way better than off-brand!

Write or email crayola and let them know you love the product. Many times companies will send coupons when you do that.

[Blackcat31]

I'm hoping to find an alternative to dry erase markers. I'm tired of kids hitting them against white boards, etc. and breaking the tips. Or losing the caps.

Do they work (well)? Are they easier/harder to get off walls, tables, floors, etc.? And do children actually like them?

I wouldn't let any of the kids that do those things be allowed to use the white board. Sometimes their actions show you they are not mature enough to use them.

In my program a child is not allowed to use markers until they have mastered toilet training. It seems once they have developed the skills to use the toilet they have the skills to put caps on markers nicely and use them correctly.

I would not allow those kids that are rough with the dry erase markers to have access to them. It gives them something to work towards. I would provide other methods of coloring for those that cannot use the dry erase markers.

[happymom]

I had a set of dry erase crayons I purchased for my son last christmas instead of markers with his eisel. They were exactly how they were described. They do look like crayon on the white board as opposed to marker, so the lines are less thick and not bold at all.

I LOVE coloring with them on paper, they are so smooth and very bold. They have migrated in with our regular crayons and no longer live by the white board. Everything always came clean, I never had to clean them off walls/floors so I don't know about that.

[Febby]

All my kids are potty trained. No diapers in my classroom! Maturity is a different issue, though; we're in the center version of term and replace.

Unfortunately, STARS is a factor in giving them free access to the dry erase markers/crayons. We're expecting an unannounced STARS visit soon. I either need the dry erase materials or I'm going to have to rework my writing center. Which is why I'm asking about crayons.

[Unregistered]

For crayola markers http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/...x?product=1246
Some of my dcp make them. Maybe a stand could be made for the dry erase markers. The caps stay in so they never get lost and are never accessible to toddlers.

[Febby]

I suppose I could offer the crayons freely and then restrict the actual markers to those who have managed to earn the privilege. There's only one child that still struggles to use regular crayons appropriately, but a good portion of the group (probably half? maybe more.) really struggle with being gentle with markers and using them on appropriate surfaces.

This has been an incredibly destructive and violent group overall. The worst offenders have been removed. Most of the rest have made major improvements. Unfortunately, they did break several of their nicer toys beyond repair either before or shortly after I started in this room. I spent a lot of time reinforcing/protect various materials, toys, and surfaces in the room so they wouldn't all get completely destroyed.

But STARS coming with ECERS and other state standards throws things off a bit since we need to achieve a minimum score in order to keep get the rating we need to please corporate. Plus, we'll be due for a corporate visit early next year (late January, maybe?) and we'll need to meet corporate standards, which aren't necessarily the same, as well. Though corporate will give some leniency IF we can prove the reasoning for the variation(s).

[Controlled Chaos]

I do not like dry erase crayons. I think they are a pain to scrub off white boards.

I don't think markers are expensive enough to worry about replacing. I have 36 markers in a tub that have lasted us 4 months ish. Sometimes we lose lids but I figure spending $5 on markers 4x a year isn't bad.

I have similar rules as PPs about treatment of any toy. If a child is being rough with ANYTHING they lose that privileged for the day. Even my 2yos look for dropped lids. It takes training though.

[Thriftylady]

I do not like dry erase crayons. I think they are a pain to scrub off white boards.

I don't think markers are expensive enough to worry about replacing. I have 36 markers in a tub that have lasted us 4 months ish. Sometimes we lose lids but I figure spending $5 on markers 4x a year isn't bad.

I have similar rules as PPs about treatment of any toy. If a child is being rough with ANYTHING they lose that privileged for the day. Even my 2yos look for dropped lids. It takes training though.

Where do you find your markers that cheap?