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Introduction Video for Stage One-Cutting with Scissors.
Scissors are another import tool for children to develop fine motor skills including bilateral integration (using both hands simultaneously for a common purpose).
Video to explain Stages Two, Three and Four-Cutting with Scissors
As the child's skills develop, careful planning to progress through the stages of development in a successful "just right" challenge is important.
STAGE ONE:
The child learns to place the scissors on their hand. Then they practice and experiment with opening and closing the scissors to snip. That being, just one repetition without aiming for a given target. At this stage snipping playdough, straws or strips of heavier paper are all good options. At this stage, the child may require cues and demonstration on using scissors in a thumbs up position.
*If this early stage is too difficult for the child, opt for alternative activities, such as, tearing paper with two hands.
STAGE TWO:
Once stage one is completed, the child is ready to start the next goal which is learning to chain together a series of opening and closing with their scissors. At this stage, the child is practicing a "thumbs up" position and learning to hold the paper with their opposite hand. When at this stage, the child may use the tabletop to help with controlling the paper.
STAGE THREE:
Once the child can cut a six inch paper in half while safely controlling the paper using their opposite hand independently, they are ready for the next stage. Which is cutting a straight line on a given target. Start with a target about 1/2" in width then decrease the width as the child's accuracy increases. Adults can use a wide marker with high contrast (red is usually a good color to start with). At this stage, the child benefits from tracing over the target with a crayon or marker as a rehearsal before cutting.