Developing cutting skills is a very sequential process. Children need to first learn how to open and shut scissors in order to snip. Practicing activities with tongs and nippers helps consolidate this skill. Then they can move on to cutting short, straight lines, before curves and simple shapes. We have included a range of books to help with this process. Self-opening and easy-grip scissors also help children learn to plan the motor action.
Some tips: start with thicker paper, practice cutting things other than paper, eg playdough, and always the correct position is 'thumbs UP for cutting' - ie non-dominant thumb on top of the paper, and dominant thumb in the top loop of the scissors. This ensures the child is in the best position for the job!
