How to Teach Jewelry Making Classes

I have a lot of requests to teach classes for children. Though I like children, I don’t want to be someone’s baby sitter. Also, as I try to explain to people, we use tools that children could injure themselves with (such as wire cutters and pliers) if not supervised closely. To make everyone happy, I came up with a compromise. I call them my mother/daughter classes. These have actually been some of my most enjoyable classes to teach. Kids are very creative, and moms and daughters both have fun creating together. It’s up to you to decide who you feel comfortable teaching, but the combination class is one way to handle the idea of teaching younger students.

Along with group classes, I have also taught private lessons. This worked out well for both my student and myself. She was able to get concentrated doses from me and had my undivided attention, and as a result, she learned very quickly. (She was also a brilliant student, of course). I tailored the classes to her specific needs, so if you try this method, ask the student what she'd like to learn, which techniques or types of jewelry she is interested in making. That way, you can gear the lessons to exactly what she wants.