Beading for Kids

Beading is a Great Starter Craft for Children

Beads for Kids

Children love crafts, and beadwork is certainly no exception. The bright baubles and yards of string will entice youngsters to the work table.

This is a great opportunity to get kids involved in creative activities, and if you're lucky, they'll enjoy it so much that you can actually get your own projects done right alongside them.

Learning is Fun

In fact, hooking kids on crafts is one of the best ways to keep them occupied by something other than television and video games. Plus bead crafts are great for developing skills, incorporating learning with colors, math (counting), and language.

Just be sure to keep a eye on young children when they are around beads. You don't want any choking accidents to occur.

• Before starting a project, have kids set out materials, organizing the beads by organizing them into different color piles.
• Include math by developing a project that alternates different color beads using numbers and counting. For example, create a bracelet that uses one red bead followed by five turquoise beads, then followed by three silvers. Repeat until the bracelet fits around the child's wrist.
• Use the names of the different beads actively. Carefully describe the project and process, and have the child repeat back to you before getting started. Encourage children to discuss the project, honing language skills by practicing descriptions.

Big, Bright, and Bold

Kids aren't going to be designing intricate earrings or detailed embroidery.

When you hit the craft store, think like a child.

Choose big fat plastic beads, in bright, bold colors. Kids are drawn to these so they will make the project more interesting.

For smaller kids, try to stick with primary colors. Older school-age children will enjoy neon hues and pastel shades.

Safety First

When it comes to kids and crafts, safety is the first concern. When sharing the joy of beading with children, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid needles completely. Instead, opt for brightly colored, thick string or cord and chunky beads with large holes (the holes need to be large enough to accommodate the string).
• Bigger is better. Select large beads, which are easier to see and less likely to be ingested or dropped and lost.
• Prevent roll-away beads by laying down large piece of felt. Beads won't roll off the felt, and it creates a nice personal workspace for a child.
• Supervise the activities, especially when children are first learning how to bead. Little ones need a guiding hand, and it's reassuring if they learn under an adult's watchful eye.
• Take the time to teach kids about the different supplies and materials. If they're old enough to understand that beads are for string and not their mouths, then they're probably ready to give this fun new hobby a try!