I'm a major user of Elmer's multipurpose glue. I might as well be a stock holder of the company. Its non-toxic white substance dries CLEAR… It comes in many sizes from a 4oz bottle to a whole gallon jug (my favorite!). I normally purchase three gallons at a time since the children can’t get enough of it. The screw top is adjustable so it allows the children to control the flow but those of us working with young children know that children love to squeeze that bottle and watch it squirt out.
Big collages require globs of glue to fall like SLIME. Over time the children themselves learn how to regulate the flow of glue depending on their art. They realize that the thicker the glue, the longer the drying time. I often hear a child say; “if you want to take your art work home today, don’t squeeze a blob of glue out”, most often they slow down.
Another great thing you can do is color your glue, I like using drops of liquid watercolor for this. The children have also mixed their own glue colors in the past.
Please feel free to let me know what your thoughts are.