Snip-Clip-Learning to Use Scissors

 

Using a scissor is an important skill for school readiness. The best way for kids to gain competence with a scissor is through practice, practice and more practice.

First: Learn the Rules

• ~ Cut only the materials an adult says you can cut.
• ~ Never cut hair or clothing.
• ~ Sit down at a table when using scissors.
• ~ Carry scissors inside your closed fist with the blade pointed down. Walk carefully when carrying scissors.

Scissor Rhyme
This simple rhyme teaches children the correct finger placement and movement needed to use a scissor.

Come watch me use my scissors
It's simple, as everyone knows.
I keep my thumb up toward the sky
And make my fingers go open-close.

By Ellen Bedford

Ways to Practice Using Scissors

• ~ Cutting paper strips - Cut construction paper into one-inch wide strips. Then have the children cut the strips into small squares. This is a great way to start with a beginning cutter, and the resulting cut squares can be used to create colorful collages and mosaics.
• ~ Pieces of Play Dough - Set out some scissors along with the traditional rolling pins and cookie cutters the next time you play with modeling dough. Encourage the children to roll the dough into logs and then cut through it with scissors.
• ~ Cut to the Prize - Use tape to attach a small prize or sticker on the top of a piece of paper. Draw a curved, zigzag, or straight line from the bottom of the page to the prize. Once the child has cut the path to the prize, it is theirs to keep!
• ~ Recycled Fun - Before placing old catalogs and magazines in the recycling bin, pull out pages that picture active kids, toys, or healthy foods. Stack the pages with your other art supplies so that kids can cut and paste them into colorful new creations.