Why We Use Scissors in Our Early Years Setting (and How You Can Support at Home)
At Teepee, we introduce children to using scissors as part of their development in fine motor skills. While it may seem like a simple tool, scissor skills for children, including using scissors safely and properly plays a crucial role in helping children develop hand-eye coordination, strengthen hand muscles, and build focus and patience. By engaging in cutting activities, children also grow in confidence as they master new skills. Below, we’ll share how and why we use scissors in a safe and controlled environment—and how you can support this important learning, scissor skills for children, at home!
Why Scissor Skills For Children Matter:
Using scissors offers a range of benefits for young children. It helps them:
- Build fine motor skills: Holding and cutting with scissors develops the small muscles in the hands and fingers.
- Improve hand-eye coordination: Children learn to coordinate what they see with how their hands move.
- Practice focus and concentration: Cutting requires children to slow down and pay attention to the task at hand.
- Enhance creativity: Scissors open up a world of creative possibilities through art, crafts, and imaginative play.
How We Ensure Safety When Using Scissors
Because scissors can be dangerous if not used correctly, we teach children the following safety rules:
- Always have an adult nearby: We make sure an adult is present when children are using scissors. This ensures that they use the tool properly and safely.
- Hold them the right way when transporting them: Point the blades down whilst holding them.
- Sit down when cutting: To ensure stability and focus, children are encouraged to sit at a table while cutting. Standing or moving around while using scissors increases the risk of mishaps.
- Cut slowly and carefully: Patience is key! We guide children to take their time and focus on where they are cutting, helping them avoid mistakes or injuries.
- Use scissors for paper only: Unless specifically instructed, we teach children to use scissors only on paper. Other materials can damage scissors or pose additional hazards.
- Keep scissors away from the face: It’s important that children understand not to bring scissors near their eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Ask for help when needed: If a child is unsure about how to cut something or if the material is too tricky, we encourage them to ask an adult for assistance.
How You Can Support Scissor Skills at Home
If you’d like to support your child’s development of scissor skills at home, here are some tips to follow:
- Use child-friendly scissors: Invest in child-safe scissors with blunt tips. These are designed to cut paper without being too sharp for little fingers.
- Create simple cutting activities: You can provide your child with paper, old magazines, or cutting sheets to practice cutting along lines, shapes, or patterns.
- Reinforce safety rules: Just like in our setting, remind your child to sit down when using scissors, hold them the correct way, and never run while holding scissors.
- Be present: Always supervise your child while they are using scissors to ensure they are safe and building their skills.
- Encourage creativity: Let them use scissors to create artwork or fun crafts. This helps them not only practice cutting but also explore their imagination.
Conclusion
Scissors are an important tool in your child’s learning journey. By introducing them to scissor use in a safe and supportive environment, we help them build key skills that are essential for their overall development. With your help at home, they’ll continue to grow in confidence and coordination.
Remember: Patience, supervision, and practice are key! With time, your child will become a scissor pro, all while having fun.
Feel free to ask us any questions about supporting scissor skills at home!