Teaching a 6 year old to knit - straights or circs?

[suzeeq]

Actually I would think circs would be better too. The needles are only about 4-5" long and probably easier to handle. I tried out a pattern a couple months ago and the only needles the right size with nothing on them were some straights. It was really difficult to handle them, so I can see why a lot of new knitters have problems learning on them.

[knittingincarolina]

I think it's great you're teaching a child to knit. I agree with EarthWhispers regarding circulars. They don't have to worry about dropping needles and they are smaller.

[Anarfea]

When I was a kid (I'm not sure how old) I learned to knit using one of those spools that makes an i-cord like tube. That was really easy and looked good right away.

[OffJumpsJack]

Teaching a 6 year old to knit - straights or circs?
Which would you suggest? And about what size would you start with?

Recited with the knitting stitch:
"In through the front door, up over the back, peek through the window, and off jumps Jack."

Recited with a purl stitch:
"Under the fence, [we] catch the sheep, back we come, [and] off we leap"

For some reason I'm better at remembering the first rhyme than the second.

[ArtLady1981]

I taught my little granddaughter on bamboo circs, size US11 on fat yarn. Circs were easier on her itty bitty little wrists. And the 'other' needle didn't get lost.