I love Kwik Stix!

Hey everyone!  I've been beyond busy preparing for the 2017 Spring Teacher Blogger Retreat, but wanted to take a break from the planning to give a HUGE shout out to one of our event sponsors, The Pencil Grip, Inc. Y'all this company not only provides some amazing tools for our classrooms, but they truly, truly love and support educators.  I don't want to give TOO much information away before the big retreat, but let's just say The Pencil Grip, Inc. is ready to spoil all of you who are coming to join us in French Lick, Indiana!

I've been a long-time, loyal fan of The Pencil Grip, Inc. and have used their pencil grippers in my classroom for years to help my kinder-kiddos learn to hold their pencils correctly, but more recently have fallen head-over-heels in LOVE with one of their newer products, Kwik Stix!  If your kiddos love to paint....but you don't like the "clean-up," then Kwik Stix are for you!

Check them out....

Wanna' know how I use Kwik Stix in my classroom?

If you have followed me for a while, you probably already know how much I love art!  Several years ago I began to develop a special art program in my class that I called "Artist of the Month." I began by creating monthly units on different "master artists."  We would study a different master artist each month, examine his/her artwork, discuss the techniques he/she used...and then, using all of those things as inspiration.... we created a masterpiece of our own.  The program was a great success and it soon spread like wild-fire throughout our entire K-8 school, thanks to the leadership of one of my instructional aides, who since has been designated our school art director! 

Well, needless to say, we paint A LOT in my room! I am afraid to reflect on past years and think about how much instructional time I used to spend on getting my kiddos dressed in paint shirts to protect their clothing, let alone cleaning up the "after-paint" messes!  But I don't have either of those problems any more!!!! I am able to use Kwik Stixs tempera painting sticks to complete the same projects....and they look even more incredible than liquid, paint-on paints!

Below you will see pictures of our latest "Artist of the Month" kindergarten student masterpieces based on the work of Pablo Picasso.  Just look at the vibrant colors!

 

 Gotta' love no mess art! It's incredible!

 

A peek at part of our classroom "KinderGallery," which is located above our student lockers.

 

 

Our art supply closet is always packed with Kwik Stix! 

Every class uses them... and they last for a very, very long time! 

 

Are you curious about these amazing little art tools?

 

If you'd like a chance to win a few sets of Kwik Stix for yourself,

visit my Instagram account (hollyehle) for more details!

(Do it now!  The winner will be chosen on March 10th!)