Bracelets are usually the easiest things for kids to make
Five is about the right age. My daughter didn’t try to eat the beads, she was nimble and dexterous enough to pick them up and string them, and she was imaginative enough to make some of the most creative and funky designs I’d seen. In fact, we put many of her pieces up for sale and they sold—often before mine!
Bracelets are usually the easiest things for kids to make, because they are obviously shorter, they’re less likely to make children bored or frustrated, and they take less material to make. Start out by just letting your kids experiment with different sizes, shapes and colors. Help them find color spectrums that they like. Show them how graduated beads can balance bracelets and necklaces by creating a ‘center.’
The best beads to use are obviously the larger sizes, at least 6mm or larger. Anything less than 6mm will be just a bit too small for them to pick up and string. I preferred glass myself, and I think it’s probably the best for kids too, simply because of the lower price and the immense variety of colors and shapes.
As for what type of string to use, I’d recommend a bead string or some type that can be knotted around the clasp (probably by you). The alternative is beading wire, which needs crimp beads and pliers.
My daughter has gotten so good at making jewelry in such a short time. She’s now making presents for family members and friends, and stashing away her earnings from the sales at our table at the local farmer’s market. I don’t know where her new hobby will take her, but at least for now she’s not bored anymore!