I tried using the color pencils at different pressures and layers, overlaying some colors to make new colors and test blending possibilites. I also tried hatching and cross hatching the colors to get a more impressionistic result.

To sum up the strengths and weakness of each brand, Croyala color pencils provide the best value for the money and are the most affordable for the classroom and while they blend and layer nicely they simply aren't as pigmented as Prismacolor. The Downside of Prismacolor is that because it is so soft and blends nicely, it also runs out too fast and sometimes it breaks in the sharpener.The winsor and Newton is honestly not that great either compared to Croyola and not worth the price in my opinion.

Overall, I would say that color pencils are a fundemental medium appropriate and safe for use by all ages depending on the assignment. I think that color pencils have their own merits which is that they are neat and precise and not as messy as fluid paint. However, they might not be the best and most fun medium to teach art to younger kids with because of the required motor skills and slow and a limited application time. I think they are a necessary tool for the art room and need to be accessible to all as they are great tools for adding detail to larger artworks. I personally think that I am quite good at using them but I usually work with medias that cover large areas faster and then go to add detail with color pencils. They are a great combination when used with markers and soft pastels.