Helping Children Discover The Joys Of Scrapbooking

Use layouts with templates.

Whether you design the templates, download from the internet or purchase a scrapbooking kit that contains templates, a template will help children get started. Do a sample layout in advance so that the kids can see what the final product will look like. Review each section of the template so that the kids have a clear understanding of what they'll be adding to the layout, such as photos, journaling and embellishments.

Limit the supplies.

Kids get excited when they see a lot of supplies and quite often will want to experiment with all of the supplies. By limiting the supplies, kids can quickly choose what they want to use and it will reduce any potential messes.

Switch to adhesive dots.

Although glue sticks work well for scrapbooking, consider having the students use adhesive dots instead. Kids tend to overuse glue sticks and there's a good chance that a few items such as other paper, the table and clothes will become sticky from the excess glue.  With adhesive dots, you can assist children with adding a couple of dots to whatever it is that they want to add to the layout.

Use die-cut journal squares.

Create journal squares in advance. Use a square of cardstock for the base. Add a small square of lighter paper to the cardstock. Embellish the corners with tacks or sequins. Have the children fill in the journal squares before adding them to their layouts. If a mistake is made, simply remove the lighter paper from the square and glue in a new piece of paper.

Have embellishments ready.

On a tray, place embellishments that the kids can use for their layouts. Give a few choices such as stickers, buttons, sequins, rubber stamps and small feathers. Have the kids tentatively place their selections on the layouts before actually gluing them down. If a child appears to be using too many items, encourage him to use fewer.  You might need to show your sample layout again.

Have fun.

A child won't do a scrapbook layout exactly the same way you did yours. That's okay. Encourage the kids to have fun and to move things around in their layouts before gluing items down. Praise the kids for doing a good job. By following these tips, you're well on your way to spending an enjoying time crafting with kids. Who knows, they might ask to scrapbook again in the near future!