New materials reviewed by Catherine Edward:
Crystal Stix come to the National Learning Laboratory!!
In April we received a wonderful gift of three sets of Crystal Stix from Bill Vestal, the creator of these ingenious twirling batons.
"I like Crystal Stix better than juggling because it's harder, more challenging and more fun!" - A teen client.
A set of Stix consists of three pieces; the baton and two controller sticks. Like a standard twirling baton, it's weighted on the ends with leather or other material that acts as a counter balance and shock absorber that facilitates the play action. Stix vary from baton twirling by the use of controllers, short sticks approximately 19 inches in length with a grip surface used to twirl the baton. So you are twisting the baton with the two controller sticks, instead of your hands.
"Very relaxing and stimulating. I take a break from running an office, play Stix for 15 minutes or so and I go back to work refreshed" - Catherine Edward, Office Manager.
Crystal Stix are a perfect addition to our repertoire of movement and coordination materials; juggling, trampolining, batakas, and now Crystal Stix are all used at the Lab to promote hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor control, balance, concentration, and attention. Children with a variety of learning and emotional problems benefit from the calming, meditative effects of twirling, using Crystal Stix as a leveling, integrating device.
"Crystal Stix are the best thing since juggling as a learning style!" - Winnie Conley, President of the National Learning Laboratory.
