Letting Your Child Use Scissors

By the time a child is between 3 and 4 years old, they should have the skills to start learning to use scissors. If your preschooler begins showing interest in cutting with scissors, there are a few things you can do to help.

Strengthening Your Child’s Hands

In order to cut with scissors properly, you need to be able to use your thumb, index finger, and middle figure separate from the ring finger and the pinkie finger. This can be difficult for children with small hands. You can help your child develop strength by having him or her pinch clothespins or wring out sponges.

Selecting the Best Scissors

Scissors come in a variety of sizes. It is important to choose a pair of scissors that will best fit your child's hands. You want to choose scissors that have a blunt point. You should choose scissors that have blades sharp enough for cutting. If the scissors are too dull, they will only fold the paper rather than cutting it. If your child is left handed, you should give them left handed scissors. The blades on left-handed scissors are on the left side. This will help your child to be able to see the cutting line. There are scissors on the market that are considered to be ambidextrous, however, they are not true left handed scissors.

Teaching Your Child Scissor Safety

Before your child is allowed to handle scissors, you should teach them the following safety tips.

1.     Scissors are for cutting paper only.

2.     Don't walk with scissors: You should discourage your child from ever walking or running with scissors. If your child must walk with their scissors, they should keep the blades closed and hold the scissors with the tip of the blade in their hand, in a fist.

Teaching Your Child to Cut With Scissors

To help your child practice using scissors, you should draw a few straight lines down a piece of paper for your child to cut. After, you can teach your child to cut.

1.     Position your child's wrist so that their thumb is turned upward. Have them rest their thumb in the thumb loop on the scissors.

2.     Some scissors only have room for the middle finger in the opposite loop. If that is the case, have your child rest just their middle finger in the loop. If there is more room the middle and ring finger can be placed in the loop.

3.     Place your child's index finger on the outside of the loop so that it can be a guide while they are cutting.

4.     Curl your child's pinkie and ring finger into their palm.

5.     After you child's hands are in the proper position, they can try cutting.

One of the core foundations of a Montessori education is practical life.  Practical life allows a child to develop skills for academic growth.  Come visit Montessori Children’s Center in Fremont, California for a tour and to learn more about an authentic Montessori education.