Learning how to use scissors plays an important role in developing fine motor skills. An important milestone we aim to develop in the kindergarten space before our children transition to primary school.
The use of thumb and index finger together in a clamping motion, whilst using hand and wrist to direct the scissors in the intended direction.
Scissor cutting also helps develop eye-hand coordination as children hold the paper with one hand and cut with the other while tracking the movement of the scissors with their eyes.
Another important skill that is developed through cutting is bilateral coordination. Bilateral coordination involves using both sides of the body at the same time while each hand is performing different tasks.
Activities such as this might seem on the surface worrying for concerned parents, but we can’t under-estimate the abilities of our children. Empowering them gives them a sense of agency and confidence needed to try new things as they grow and develop.
Of course, there’s always an educator there to watch over them, and we can quickly identify those who quickly master the use of scissors, and those that need a little bit of extra close attention.
