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Lately we have been working on cutting practice ideas for our homeschool lessons. Learning through play is tons of fun!
My 2 and half year old and 5 year old love getting to use a scissors and I am sure they enjoy the effect the said scissors makes on the items they are cutting too!
To get started learning to cut I have gathered a few ideas below to encourage cutting practice with your kids.
The best place to start cutting practice is on play dough! Here my 2 year old is exploring a scissors in the early days of using one.
Another item I like to use are the scraps from the other crafts that we do. Below are a bunch of foam left overs from our Easy Shape & Pattern Activity as well as Window Shapes Matching.
The kids love to snip these up into tiny bits and if they are up to it later, stick them to make a colorful collage on either paper or contact paper.
Here is my 2 year old just a few weeks after the play dough cutting picture. Notice how she is now holding a scissors much better in just one hand instead of with two.
As time goes by and your little one gets some practice in the cutting process it becomes natural and they can move onto more complex cutting ideas.
MORE great ideas for cutting practice!
1. Dot & Cut (Fine Motor & Scissor Skills) – This idea was a great hit with the kids!
2. Set up a Cutting Skills Tray for a quick afternoon activity.
3. Make some art and crafts while doing Scissor Practice like with these Flowers.
4. Use that Junk Mail for something, cut it up!
5. Try this “What is Hiding in the Grass?” Cutting Activity.
6. I also just adore this Lion’s Mane Cutting Activity! I really need to go get some paper plates.
7. My kids really enjoy using the punch as much as a scissors, why not combine them? Check out these 7 Fall Themed Fine Motor Activities for Preschoolers.
8. This Cutting Practice Spider has got to be THE cutest thing I have ever seen for cutting practice.
9. Grab some Free Cutting Practice Strips.
10. Do some classic Cutting Practice by Making Snowflakes and Sunbursts.
Looking for some more awesome ideas? Check these out!
- The Ultimate Guide to Cutting Activities for Preschoolers from LalyMom
- Learning to Use Scissors from Craftulate
- I love Happy Hooligans scissor holding tip! So cute.
- Scissor cutting skills: why they’re important & how to learn ‘em
Featured:
This week’s fine motor ideas from my co-hosts:
- Water Bead Ornaments from Craftulate
- Yarn Wrapped Turkey Craft from Still Playing School
- Beaded Turkey Patterns Busy Bag from School Time Snippets
- Cranberry Sensory Play from Little Bins For Little Hands
Annette Belnap says
We are always looking for good cutting exercises for our preschoolers. These are perfect. Thanks!
Still Playing School says
Great resource!