Sharpening Your Child's Scissor Skills

posted 4/4/23 -- Using scissors correctly is one of the more difficult small motor tasks in preschool, but a necessary one for kindergarten readiness. Take a look at the steps that you can take to help your child master this skill.

Don’t start with scissors! This may seem counter-productive, but first we need to make sure the child has the small motor strength to manipulate scissors. We like to start with ripping paper instead of cutting it.

Introduce scissors with a lesson on how to hold them properly. Dr. Jean, an early childhood educator and singer, uses the Scissor Snip song to teach this skill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGhhRqqVzXE. In this short video, she shows children how to manipulate the scissors with the reminders: “Thumb’s on top, take small bites, hold the paper in the other hand tight.” A great visual reminder is to use a piece of colorful tape on the thumb hole.

Use quality scissors, like Fiskar or Wescott. Plastic or cheaply-made scissors can prove to be frustrating to children. If you are worried about your child having scissors, keep a pair in a safe spot and bring them out only when you can supervise.

Starting with cutting playdough is very helpful in building the small muscles needed. When your child is ready to cut paper, thicker papers like cardstock, construction paper or old greeting cards are easier to use.

Fringing the ends of paper is a great way to start cutting. Work your way up to longer straight lines or shapes with straight lines. Curves are more difficult and will come later.

This skill, like all the others your child is developing, will get stronger with exposure and practice. If we all work together, your child will have the scissor skills needed for school success.