There is a great series of books for teaching young ones to sew. They are by Winky Cherry. The first one is "My First Sewing Book" and there are several more all with the "My First ______ Book".
http://www.palmerpletsch.com/childrenbooks.htm
I was able to take a seminar with Winky and she starts with small groups about age 5. I used this book's idea and techniques with a full second grade class, who were mostly Spanish speaking. 30+ kids with just me and their teacher to show them how to stitch. And trying to translate into words they could understand. By the end of the first hour every one of them was threading their own needle and tying the knot at the end.
And they enjoyed the project so much they asked for another one that we did as a Mother's Day project.
These are a wonderful way to teach children, either one on one or in small groups. (There are even manuals and a DVD at the end of the above link for helping one learn how to teach to kids.)
I am not affiliated with this publisher or the series but I have used it and very successfully. <G> (My junior high students saw what the little ones were doing and wanted to do it too..... so I set up some for them to do to. They loved it, both the boys and the girls.)
Have fun,
Pati, in Phx
Originally Posted by Vanuatu Jill
I've been asked to volunteer teaching sewing/quilting at my grand-niece and nephews school to replace their dearly loved teacher. It is a Montessori school, ages I believe, are 5-9 or so. I am a little worried-I don't know where to begin. Idon't think they have machines, so it will be all hand-work-which means sewing needles! Any suggestions??? I only had two boys, and no grand-kids yet, so have no experience teaching littlies!