Updated: Nov 23, 2021
Physical Development - Moving and Handling (30-50 months):
Uses one-handed tools and equipment, e.g. makes snips in paper with child scissors.
(40-60+ months):Handles tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control
Expressive Arts & Design: Being Imaginiative
(40-60+ months): Create simple representations of events, people and objects.
What you need:
Scissors
Pens
Thin cardboard e.g. a cereal box
Many children find it tricky to use scissors. They may lack the hand strength to open and close them or find it hard to hold them correctly. I shared this tip on my Instagram page to help children to hold their scissors correctly. I also bought some self opening scissors for Benji to make it easier for him to to cut. I have added a link at the end of the blog post.
When children are beginning to cut it is helpful to start with short straight snips. Cutting out bus tickets is a great opportunity to practice this skill.
Cut some rectangles out of the cardboard box and draw a line down the middle for your child to try to cut along. Draw a dot on one side of the line. Show them how to hold the scissors in one hand, making sure their thumb faces upwards. They should hold the cardboard so that their other thumb covers the dot then cut away from their body.
We originally tried this activity using plain paper but it wobbled as Benji tried to cut. Using thin cardboard made it easier. You could also cut play foam.
This activity lends itself to developing English and maths skills through play. Your child could make marks on the tickets to represent names, prices, times etc. They could count how many tickets they have. You could set up a shop and buy bus tickets.
We set up our chairs to make a bus and bought tickets for the cuddly toys. We also pretended to check that all of the passengers had tickets and tried to punch holes in the tickets using a hole punch. This was a bit tricky with the cardboard tickets so we used paper tickets too.
Choose the correct scissors for your child. If they are left handed try left handed scissors. If they find it hard to open and close regular scissors try spring loaded scissors or Easi-Grip scissors. Choose scissors with rounded ends and make sure they are sharp enough to cut otherwise it will be frustrating for your child. Teach your child scissor safety and supervise them when they are using them. Snipping playdough is another good way to start practicing scissor skills.
Try to encourage your child to put their thumb on top. This grip will strengthen the same muscles that children need for drawing and writing. To reinforce this position, you can ask your child to show the thumbs up sign before holding the scissors or draw a smiley face on their nail with pen.
You can click the heart on the blog post to keep track of the activities that you have tried. I would love to hear how you get on in the comments section below. If you have a go at this activity and share any photos on social media I would love to see them. Please tag @miniwritersclub and let me know how you get on.
Anna
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