[AERNet] Dora talking crayons

[Missy Garber]

Sheila,
I bought them out of curiosity and was disappointed:

The crayon part attaches to a holder that names the color of the crayon. However, it isn't always accurate. For example, it calls the red crayon "purple." 

Also, it's not just the color that is announced. You get the color in Spanish, the spelling, music, questions, Dora-specific items/characters that are the same color, and it's all pretty loud, which would be a distraction in a classroom. 

With the plastic components attached to it, the crayon is top-heavy. 

Finally, the color the crayons produce is light compared to other crayons on the market (Color Slicks, for example) and would not be ideal for kids with low vision. There is not much of a tactile result either. 

I like softer, darker crayons or scented crayons (I stockpiled the latter when I learned they were being discontinued by Crayola --let me know if you want some).

Missy

>>> "Sheila Amato" <brltrans at verizon.net> 01/17/07 6:37 AM >>>
Do any of you have experience using the Dora-the-Explorer talking crayons in a classroom? Please share thoughts.

Sheila