Toys in Motion: School Supplies

Never be without a point. These pyramid-shaped crayons are the first that let little kids put their hands in the "dynamic tripod position" for easier drawing and scribbling. Five colors come in a package.

The Pencil Grip is a revolutionary applied technology that works with the body’s natural physiology to gently place fingers in the proper position for gripping. Allowing over a 90% surface contact with its soft comfortable gripping surface, The Pencil Grip sets the industry standard in ergonomics.

Wayne Rothschild and his 10-year-old son Max co-invented these nifty toys that double as storage bins. The ZipBin Mansion looks and plays like a dollhouse. Unzipped, it’s a “multi-room” activity surface with built-in closets for doll accessories. Dolls can throw a rooftop garden party, lounge by the pool, entertain, dance and have a fashion show. Zipped up, the Mansion still looks like a house, but can hold a gaggle of toys, keeping Mom’s and Dad’s “mansion” neat and tidy. ZipBins also come in Road & Rail, Castle, Medieval Castle, Farm, Unicorn and other versions. Launch date: January 2006.

School-Rite Cursive Instruction Guides feature 1” letters on an 8½" x 11” template. They include sample letters for identification, numbered stroke sequence and arrows showing proper stroke direction. Ruled lines illustrate correct letter proportion, spacing and placement. A sample word is included, showing how letters can be combined to make words. Cursive templates are designed for advanced handwriting instruction. This product received Dr. Toy's Product Excellence Award for 2006.