Yes, pencil crayons are a great option for kids to explore their creative side and get involved with art. Pencil crayons are a durable and less messy alternative to crayons and paint and help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They are also ideal for detailed drawings, blending and shading different colours, which can be engaging for kids.

Kids can start to use pencil crayons as early as 2 to 3 years old, as long as they use larger types of pencils designed for small hands. However, this should be tried under close supervision for child safety. Most children start with crayons and then transition to pencil crayons around ages 4 to 6 once they develop a stronger grip and fine motor skills.

Yes, pencil crayons can be very helpful in developing a child’s fine motor skills. Colouring and drawing with pencil crayons can help strengthen the small muscles in their fingers, hands and forearms, which also helps develop hand-eye coordination, their grip on the pencil crayon and the control needed for writing, drawing and other important tasks.

When you’re shopping for coloured pencils for your children, look for ones that are durable, non-toxic and made from softer materials that require less pressure to create vibrant colours. Choose different kinds of colours that can capture their attention and spark their creativity. Brands like Crayola are non-toxic and safe to use for kids and adults.¹They carry the Art and Creative Materials Institute's (ACMI) APPROVED PRODUCT (AP) seal, indicating they meet or exceed specific quality standards.

¹ https://www.crayola.com/en-ca/support/faq