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Crayola Glow Station

Glow Station; Crayola, recommended age 6+, MSRP. $29.99USD

While celebrating the staying power of the tried and true Crayola Big 64 box, Crayola was working on taking creativity to the next level.

We have drawn with magnets, water, special markers that appear to have no ink ...but now we get to draw with light!

It's glow-in-the-dark drawing, cool and virtually mess free. I say virtually because of the handy dandy black marker. Kids can actually paint with light, an awesome cause and effect experience. Alas the beautiful artwork begins to fade in just under a minute but then that leaves room for more artwork.

The crew had a blast with this; drawing in the dark is very cool. You can create scenes, and add textures, make shadows, and go wild. Creations can be as simple or complex as the creator wants them to be. While this is not going to occupy kids as an all day activity it is definitely a really fun hour or more, or longer, depending on your kids. Especially in the car, we have found that it is the perfect activity to take along for the ride, when it gets too dark for reading and coloring ...viola. Just make sure all the accessories are in a bag otherwise, they are hard to keep track of in the dark car. Oh yeah, and I would leave the dry erase marker home.

Manufacturer recommended age is 6 and up. I would say younger kids will probably enjoy this as well, but they may have difficulty with some of the accessories. You never want to set up a situation of frustration during play because it undermines the positive self esteem factor. So if you are thinking of purchasing for a younger child you may want to make it a do together type of activity.

The Glow Station comes with a glow in the dark poster size canvas, 1 light wand with crystal attachment, 1 acetate sheet, 1 dry erase marker, 2 sheets of stencil, 2 textured sheets, one dry erase marker, and needs 3 AAA batteries that are not included.

Young children feel a sense of emotional satisfaction when they are involved in making art; it also builds children's self-esteem by allowing them opportunities to express what they are thinking and feeling. Art-based activities also help to develop cognitive and fine motor skills.

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About the Author: Mary Rose is a Mommy, a writer and an early childhood educator who believes in learning through play and the value of good toys.