This invention provides a crayon of special external configuration arranged to facilitate the training and development of a tripod grip in the use of pencils, pens and the like. The crayon has a body which has convexly curved end portions and at least first, second and third surfaces which are defined intermediate the body end portions in such manner as to impart to the body a generally triangular transverse cross-sectional shape of a location substantially centrally between the body and portions. Those surfaces converge toward one of the body end portions. The intersections of at least two of the surfaces with each and with the body end portions are smoothly convexly curved. The body is sized in proportion to the size of a hand of an intended user so that it is best grasped between the thumb and adjacent forefinger, preferably also with the cooperation of the adjacent middle finger, for manipulation to make a mark, thereby training the user in the development and use of a tripod grip to grasp and manipulate a pencil, pen, or other more conventionally shaped writing implement.