Drawing Children Into Reading is an award winning fine motor skill building program effecting 4 - 10 year old students in their reading, writing, drawing and expressive efforts. The project has grown from 44 students to over 75,000 in the past 14 years. When a student is taught to draw using this step by step method, their pencil grip, hand-eye coordination, attention span and visualization skills
are enhanced. We have seen these skills transfer into strong, legible handwriting. "Project 64" is the nickname of our kindergarten Foundation course and it’s name originated from the number of crayons Kindergardeners are exposed to; 64. (A traditional box) When you squeeze the crayon, pushing down hard, you get a dark color. When you gently hold the crayon you get a soft, light color. This process teaches young children how to mix colors into new colors, and make a variety of patterns. With these discoveries, children begin to love changing the pressure. We believe that changing the pressure is key to enjoying the pencil and having less hand fatigue. Children's Book Illustrator/Author Wendy Anderson Halperin began this project because one day on the radio she heard that researchers were giving alzheimer patients knitting needles because there is a strong connection between fine motor skills and the brain. This inspired her to produce Drawing Children Into Reading. Her company continues to grow and impact the lives of children today.
