Cutting Power!

As young children grow, they start learning to coordinate their large muscles first before attempting to move their small muscles with as much dexterity. This means they can freely move their trunk, shoulder muscles, and upper arms before being able to do the same with their hands and fingers. Coordination starts from the middle of their body and proceeds outward. To develop both gross and fine motor skills, constant stimulation and practice are needed.

Children develop fine motor skills at their own pace. It is common for boys to flourish more in the gross motor activities department while girls gravitate towards the fine motor activities. You have to remember though that each child has unique capabilities that belie widely accepted assumptions.

Using a scissor requires fine motor skills, and children need lots of practice before they can use a pair in the proper way without getting injured.

“This weird-shaped tool can cut? How do I hold it in my hand? How do I make it move?” A pair of scissors can both frustrate and amaze. You can start small by having your child practice making small snips first. Cut a bunch of small squares of paper ahead and place them on the table.  With your guidance, show your child how to hold his or her scissors correctly. Your child’s tiny fingers will have difficulty moving the scissors up and down at first, but there’s nothing constant practice can’t do.

After your child becomes comfortable snipping the paper, give him or her small strips to cut through to make tinier strips. Once your child gets the hang of cutting strips, cut alongside him or her using your own scissors. How about making a mound of tiny strips together? You can use these strips for another art project too.

When your child can freely manipulate the pair of scissors, have him or her try to cut through a straight line. You may download free printable patterns online, or else you can simply draw a guideline on a blank sheet of paper. Use a thick piece of paper, such as a cardboard, so that your child can have a better grip. Remind your child to slowly cut through the straight line from one end to another.