Tips for Teaching Children to Use Scissors

Because scissors and kids don’t always mix, it’s important to teach them how to properly handle scissors before letting them snip away. Below are some handy tips on preparing kids to use scissors.

•    First, choose child-safety scissors that are appropriate for the size and grasp of a child’s hand.

•    Next, demonstrate how to properly hold the scissors.  Show the child how to place their thumb in the upper hole and first two fingers in the lower hole.  Then practice picking up and holding the scissors.

•    For beginners, play dough makes a great cutting because it allows for a successful cut each time.

•    Next, have kids cut larger pieces of cardstock or thin cardboard.  Magazine subscription cards work well too!

•    Now have kids cut straws and small strips of cardstock.

•    Advance to cutting out simple shapes.

•    Graduate to regular paper when kids can hold the scissors upright and successfully cut one of the other mediums mentioned.

•    Reinforce safety by showing kids how to properly hold scissors while walking.

•    Remind kids that using scissors should always be an adult-supervised activity.

Now that kids know more about scissor safety, put these tips to work with fun and easy projects for the classroom.