Learning how to cut is a big milestone for your child and cutting skills are expected to be mastered by elementary school. Yet learning how to properly hold and manipulate scissors can be a challenging time for many kids. Give your child a fine motor boost by teaching your child these Scissor Secrets that make Cutting Easy!
Tip #1- Mimic the fine motor movement of scissors with tongs.
The hand motion of opening and closing tongs is the same that is used with scissors, so build up your child’s hand strength by using tongs first. Create games with the tongs to keep your child’s interest and attention, such as placing ping pong ball (eggs) in egg cartons, or “cookies” on baking sheets.
Tip #2- Put a sticker on the thumb
Scissor success is largely dependent on hand positioning. Place a small sticker (or marker dot) on the knuckle of your child’s thumb and tell him to look at the sticker when cutting. The child can only see the sticker when his thumb is up, therefore providing a constant visual cue for proper hand positioning.
Tip #3- Put a sticker on the scissors
Place a long sticker or piece of colorful tape on the top of the scissor’s edge and tell the child to keep the colored part at the top when cutting. This will help the child to keep their scissors in the correct position and decrease the likelihood that the child will turn the scissors sideways and attempt to cut.
Tip #4- Hold onto a book
As mentioned above, positioning is key. Most cutting problems are due to poor wrist, hand, or arm positioning. Having your child hold onto a thin book or paper under his cutting arm will ensure proper arm positioning on the scissors because the elbow and forearm have to stay close to the body.
Tips #5- Start out with loop scissors
Loop scissors are a great tool because they automatically spring upwards and only require that the child squeeze down on the scissors (instead of squeezing down and then lifting up). These scissors decrease the act of cutting in half, making it much easier to cut. Once your child begins to feel success with this type of scissors, then introduce typical scissors.
Tip #6- Practice cutting different objects
Once your child gets the act of cutting down, have him practice cutting various objects such as play doh, dry noodles, bubble wrap, ribbons, cereal boxes, etc.. to sharpen scissor skills and lead to cutting more intricate shapes on the lines.
So try out these simple out ideas and “cut out” scissor frustration!
Hello, I have a question about the age of a child. At what age should one be introduced with scissors? Thanks for the reply!
It can vary from child to child but typically kids can be introduced to scissors around 2.5-3 years. Typical developmental charts have children snipping at paper by age 3. Thanks for reading 🙂
Do you have any tips for a left hemi 4.5 yr old with limited grasp? Child can snip with stabilizing paper on tabletop. We are moving onto cutting a piece of paper in half and having difficulty with this. Thank you in advance.
Try using modified scissors that are stationary on the table top which only require the child to use a downward pressing motion with the wrist or arm rather than isolated finger movements. Good question!
I like the tip about the colored tape on the top blade! Smart!
Thanks Jaime!
? thank you
You’re welcome!
My four year old boy is a lefty (due to malformed right hand). He is right footed. my question is do lefties need special scissors?
There are left- handed scissors available. It depends exactly what your scissors look like and how elaborate the curves are in the holes. It may not be a bad idea to try with your son.
Great tips! Do you have this condensed in a handout form I can keep handy?
hi i am an occupational therapy student and i am working with a child that needs reminders on placing his index finger inside the bottom loop. can I use the sticker idea? The child is four years old.