How to Set Up Cutting Lines (PRINT HERE!)
Equipment
- none
Materials
- Blunt-edge kid scissors
- Markers
- White paper roll
Instructions
- Tape down your white paper.This acts as a border for the cutting practice and keeps the activity looking a little more “organized.” It will help keep your preschoolers focused. You can use the paper again for one of these Breakfast Invitations listed here.
- Draw a variety of lines on your paper or cardstock. Squiggles, shapes, and zigzags work best. Keep some lines full and others dashed to give your child a variety of challenges. Keep in mind different ages and different abilities.
- Set it up the night before.Place the cards and scissors out the night before and allow your preschoolers to come down and begin cutting as you make breakfast.
- Give your child tips on using scissors.Draw a smile on the thumb to remind your child to keep it looking up. My 2.5-year-old on the left is just cutting. He is strengthening his fine motor muscles and becoming comfortable with how the scissors feel in his hands. I am less concerned with him staying on the lines because it is AGE APPROPRIATE for him to deviate.Now, look at my four-year-old on the right. He is more engaged and more accurate with remaining on the lines. Remember, the best way to improve scissor skills is over time and with practice.
