3 Things I learned While Teaching Crafts to Kids
Jan 16, 2024
I had the opportunity to teach a weekly crafting class to 66 kids for 11 weeks. My eyes were really opened to how kids actually learn how to craft.... effectively.
Here's what I witnessed:
1. Kids are our mirror
For example: I had a handful of students who never wanted to try the craft. They would get frustrated really easily and give up prematurely.
When I hosted a crafting class for their parents, I noticed the same negative beliefs!
If your child gets frustrated and gives up easily, look at yourself and what areas you do that in. Do you problem solve and figure things out, or do you give up?
On the other hand, some of my most sportsy, unsuspecting kids LOVED my class. It was easy to see that they loved the challenge, no matter what the project was!
2. Kids are capable of way more than we think
Don't be afraid to teach your kids to use needles, hot glue guns, and real crafting scissors early on. Ooof, I already know the heat I'm going to get for this one ;)
When you teach your kids how to use these tools safely, you create confidence and carefulness in them.
Here's the key, you need to remember that this is foreign to them, so really go back to the basics. What is natural for you is not natural to them. Explain thoroughly!
And go back to #1 because if you are not patient in the learning process, then neither will they be.
3. Kids want to make pretty things
I personally don't love kindergarten crafts with all the glue and recyclables. When I'm needing an hour of alone time, I'll pull all these things out and tell my kids to go to town. They love it! But these types of crafts don't stay around in our home for very long (trash!).
But what I do love is showing kids how to make things that are beautiful, that you can be proud of, and that parents love to keep in their home.
When kids make things like a basket, a macrame garland, or a felted ornament, the level of pride is through the roof!
Involve your kids in these prettier crafts and watch how excited they are when their creation makes it into your home decor.
What are some of your favorite kids crafts?
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