| Cutting with scissors is a learned activity. By three | | | | Have your child start cutting lines. Simply use a ruler to |
| years old your child should have no problem holding a | | | | draw several lines on a piece of paper, and then have |
| pair of child-sized scissors. It takes them awhile to | | | | your child try to cut on the line. It will probably take |
| master this new skill, however, so be patient with them | | | | awhile for your child to get the hang of it, but after he |
| while they begin to show an interest in learning how to | | | | catches on he will be so proud of his new |
| do it. | | | | accomplishment. After lines, he is ready to move on to |
| Purchase your child a pair of his own scissors. If your | | | | wavy lines, then ovals, and, finally, circles. |
| child is left-handed, make sure the scissors can be | | | | Preschoolers love this cutting activity. One of my sons |
| used by left- or right-handed children. Many scissors | | | | spent at least an hour two days in a row cutting out |
| can be used by both. | | | | shapes I had drawn for him. He was so excited he |
| Let your child try to cut with the scissors, and | | | | could cut on the lines that he wanted to cut them out |
| encourage him to cut the best he can. It may take | | | | over and over again. |
| awhile for him to get the hang of it. My boys were | | | | Another skill that can be practiced with this activity is |
| four years old before they could hold a pair of | | | | tracing. Before your child cuts out the shapes, have |
| scissors correctly and cut with them. | | | | him first trace them with a pencil. This is also a skill that |
| After your child has learned to cut with his scissors, it's | | | | takes time to learn and that your child will enjoy trying |
| time to practice cutting shapes and lines. This activity | | | | to master. |
| helps your preschooler master his cutting skills so he | | | | Children enjoying learning things. Open up a whole new |
| can move on to cutting out shapes for his own craft | | | | world for your child by teaching him something as |
| projects. | | | | simple as using a pair of scissors. |