Crayon Rocks

Who are we and how did we start?
Crayon Rocks were developed by Barbara Lee, a special needs
teacher who worked with elementary aged children for 23 years. She
invented Crayon Rocks after being inspired by occupational therapist
Jan Olsen and her Handwriting Without Tears program. She learned
from Mrs. Olsen how important it was for children to develop a strong
tripod grip early in their education process — handwriting skills depend upon this. Seeing that a simple
tool to develop these skills in young children wasn't readily available, Ms. Lee set out to develop one.
How do Crayon Rocks help kids?
Since a child's first writing tool is usually a crayon, that crayon should be one that encourages him or
her to use thumb, first and second fingers in a tripod grip. This is what makes Crayon Rocks a
wonderful tool for fine motor development. Because of their shape, they do not allow kids to easily grip
them in a closed fist which deters fine motor development and are also more resistant to breaking.
Children with cerebral palsy, autism, developmental delays and various forms of learning disabilities
have tested Crayon Rocks in the classroom. Parents and teachers of special needs students often tell
me how much their children love them.
What are they made of?
Unlike most crayons which are made of petrolium paraffin wax, Crayon Rocks are made from U.S.–
grown and processed Kosher soy wax. We combine this wax with natural mineral pigments to create
beautiful colors and a natural ground rock that gives the crayons their body. This creates a crayon that
goes on smooth and blends easily.