Fine Motor Skills: Scissors
I never realized how important it is to teach kids how to use scissors until I was recently reading about it. It is definitely a complex task to learn! Here are four reasons why scissor practice is important:
1. It builds up the tiny muscles in their palm and hand since they have to continuously open and close the hand.
2. Cutting enhances eye-hand coordination. They must be able to see what they are cutting while moving their hand.
3. It encourages the child to use bilateral coordination. That means the child can use both sides of their body at the same time. For example, the child holds the paper and turns it in one hand while cutting with the other hand.
4. It prepares them for handwriting and using a pencil.
Usually between the ages of 2-3 your child will be ready to start using kid scissors. I really haven’t done anything to introduce scissors to Troy, so I thought it was about time! We decided to start with cutting play dough, since it is soft and easy to cut. I will admit that at first, this was difficult for Troy. He really had no clue what to do. I showed him to put his thumb in the small hole on top and the middle and ring fingers in the bottom hole. Then I asked him to move his hand out and in and at this point all he could do was just look at his hand. I know he was thinking “come on hand, just move”, but it wouldn’t. I could tell that this was difficult for Troy. All he wanted to do was use both hands! 
So, I modeled how to do it several times and had him try. He was starting to move the scissors slightly. We were practicing with his right hand, since that’s the hand he draws with.
Then it dawned on me to try his left hand. So we switched and he suddenly could move the scissors! Maybe he is left-handed? You should’ve seen the smile on his face when he finally caught on to using scissors. It was priceless.
I rolled some play dough into “snakes” and had Troy cut the snakes into baby snakes. He was very focused and so proud of his work!
Lastly, I taught him how he should hold his scissors while walking. I told him to point the sharp points down and wrap your hand around it. Then I had him practice marching around like this. Silly boy!
Then this morning, we reviewed cutting with scissors and he made this little video.
How did you teach your child to use scissors?
I used to teach preschool and another great tip to get the hands point in the correct direction is to have your child hold a bean bag under their arm while using the scissors. It forces the hand into the correct position and makes using the scissors a little bit safer for them since their hands aren’t all over the place.
Thanks for linking up to Tuesday Tots. I’ve featured this activity today. You’re welcome to see it here and grab a Tuesday Tots feature button if you like http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/02/6-play-learn-activities-for-toddlers.html. Hope you link up again this week 🙂
My 2 year old just started asking for scissors recently because he sees his big brother using them. We started out with paper and its too hard for him. I think he’ll enjoy the play dough.
Thanks for linking up with Tender Moments!
Becky Marie
I’m so glad to hear that, Becky! Thanks for your comment!
Well, I am now convinced that playdough cutting is the best way to introduce a child to scissors. My baby is almost 2 and he is already showing great interest in scissors. I’ll probably wait several months before I actually let him use them though. 🙂
That is great!! Yes, I think it’s the best way to introduce scissors. Makes it fun and I think it’s easier to cut than paper. Good luck!
We always reminded Rowan that his thumb needed to have his thumb pointing up to the sky so that he didn’t accidentally cut himself. We had a hard time with cutting and he has now just mastered it at 4 yrs. Cruz LOVES using scissors and always asks to cut stuff. I love the idea of cutting playdough. 🙂
Good advice! Yes, I think it will take a while for him to master it. No surprise that Cruz loves scissors!! Wish we lived closer so our boys could play together! 🙂
We bought the kind of scissors that only cut paper (not skin or hair) for my 18 month old. I figure if he learns those real scissors will be easy. He is learning the concept, can’t quite do it one handed yet.
Oh those sound nice! I’ll have to look into that. I’m impressed that you started at 18 months. I may have to try that with my youngest!! Thanks for your comment.