Around the age of 3 years or even younger is a good time to introduce scissors to children. Oh, are you scared to read why scissors? Is it safe to give one? Then let’s talk about scissor cutting activities for preschoolers.
By this time the child might have mastered the art of paper tearing. And if till now you have stopped them then you should allow them. Of course, give them the practice papers never a paperback book. Tearing paper is quite a satisfying activity. It even helps in pincer grasp, the fingers coordination.
Scissor cutting is the next level of tearing. Scissor is a tool. Initially, Its grip is tricky for toddlers and preschoolers. But this is an important skill to master.
Benefits of scissor cutting
The motion of cutting with the opening and closing of scissors helps in strengthening their hand muscles. A fine motor skill. This skill is a crucial element for pre-writing abilities. Cutting also helps develop hand-eye coordination. The child would hold the object to cut in one hand and eye over the scissor movement closely. Also, there the child practices bilateral coordination i.e. is the ability to use both sides of the body at the same time in a controlled and organized manner.
Safety with scissors
Always go for high-quality beginners scissors. One which has smooth open and close movement. Also, it has a short blunt tip. Penguin and I got started with this and later moved to one like this and another with cutting designs.
Scissor cutting activities
1 – Play-doh
Start with play-doh. They are good manipulatives. Let the child play with it and mold them. Encourage to roll them and cut them into small pieces.
2 – Plastic straws or wool strings
If you have few plastic straws in your kitchen get them at your kid’s work desk and practice some cutting. We switched to stainless steel ones over two years ago so we settle with wool strings.
Initially, it might be difficult for a child to cut independently. You can try sticking one end to a table and practice.
3 – Spaghetti
Get your leftover spaghetti for some fine motor skill practice.
4 – Grass (nature – flower, stem, leaves)
While going on a nature walk or morning walk grab your scissors along and cut down some weeds.
During monsoon, we look around for tall grass and wildflowers and cute them to make a bouquet.
5 – Paper
Add it in your busy bags, travel bags, and quite time.
Do share your ideas and thoughts about the activity.
If you like this one, you might like Toddler activities: Colorful buttons
Do follow us on Instagram as we share more toddler and preschool activities under #ActivitiesWithPenguin
All kids love to play around with scissors, and when they will get such lovely engaging activities to do it, why not. the benefits are quite motivating for parents to involve kids with scissors.
Yup totally win-win situation.
I am still skeptical if introducing scissors to my daughter. But thanks for this guide I will now start with these easy activities.
I do understand the reason behind that Jhilmil. Hope this post would sort it.
I remember when my kids starting practicing their scissors skills. It was so much fun. Sharing this with moms of preschoolers as itt can benefit them.
Yay!
Plastic scissors are better than introducing directly introducing steel ones, which can harm the kid and also they have to understand how is a works
Yup, that’s the reason the post mentioned the stages of scissor introduction. Thanks for stopping by.
This is so interesting way to introduce scissor cutting to such small kids . plastic scissors are good for this ..
Yup agree. Start with beginners and level up later.
These are such fun activities for kids. I have to get this kind of kids scissors for my son. He actually is quite fond of craft.
Thanks for reading, Tina.
This is such a fun activity for the kids . I need to get a scissors like this for my son.
🙂
I remember how much my son loved paper cutting and even dough cutting as I promotes it for fine motor skill development.
So with you, Jhilmil.
We practice scissor cutting too. It’s great for fine motor skills and kids truly enjoy it.
High five to that.
Really I appreciate your efforts with Penguin. Paper tearing is the most favourite task of this age of kids. And you initiate the use of scissor very smarty but in a creative way. Very informative post for me. I will also try with my little one.
Music to my ears Deepika.
That’s interesting way to introduce scissors cutting activity kids would definitely learn a lot
🙂
I remember, when my daughter started using plastic scissors she used to cut and throw papers everywhere! It is an important motor skill.
A memorable mess as she learned 🙂
It’s the right age to introduce the scissors. Actually cutting and playing with scissors is such a creative and magical activity for toddlers. However should be done under adult supervision
Yes, parent/ caregiver supervision is a must.
I agree that with age such activities should be included and in Viraj school too they did the same with plastic scissors!!
The right tool to start learning new skills is important.