1. How many of you have a television in your home? How many of you have your own television in your bedroom?
2. How many of you have a computer in your home?
3. How many of you have your own pair of scissors?
Yep! You’re right! Most every child has a television or computer, but only a few have a pair of scissors. Many parents think scissors are dangerous, but they let their children watch violent television programs. I don’t get it? Anyway, here’s a great idea to share with parents.
Cutting Tub
Get a plastic tub from the dollar store and fill it with junk mail, catalogs, old greeting cards, scrap paper, etc. Put a pair of children’s safety scissors in the tub and they can cut, tear, and be creative. This way you can supervise scissors and encourage cutting at the same time.
More! Add a hole punch or decorative scissors to the tub.
Demonstrate and Model
We have to remember that some children have never had a pair of scissors in their hands before. It’s important to take your time, model, and give explicit directions on basic tasks.
Thumbs on Top!
Remind children when they cut to think about "Tooty Ta" and put their thumbs up. Hold a sheet of paper in one hand and take "little bites" with the scissors.
Elbows In
Another trick an occupational therapist taught me was to give children two wadded up sheets of paper to hold under their arms. This will give them more control when they begin to cut. Another trick from an OT was to have the children lay on their tummies and cut.
Cutting Song (Tune: "The Caissons Song")
Cut it out! Cut it out!
With your scissors cut it out.
Snip, snap, and cut it out.
Thumbs on top,
Take small bites.
Hold your page in the other hand tight.
Cut it out! Cut it out!
With your scissors cut it out.
Snip, snap, and cut it out.