Why are Scissor Skills Important?

Discovering the Importance of Scissor Skills

As a homeschooling parent, you’re always looking for ways to support your child’s learning and development. But did you know that one simple skill – learning to use scissors – is a critical milestone?

It’s true! I didn’t realize just how essential scissor skills were myself until I started reading about early childhood development. Mastering this complex task delivers some significant benefits and sets kids up for success in school and life.

4 Key Benefits of Developing Scissor Skills

So why exactly are scissor skills so crucial? Here are four important reasons:

It strengthens fine motor skills. Repeatedly opening and closing scissors builds up the tiny muscles in the hands and fingers. This fine motor strength is essential for skills like writing, tying shoes, and more.
Cutting develops hand-eye coordination. It requires kids to carefully watch what they are doing while simultaneously moving and manipulating the scissors with their hands. This coordination of vision and hand movements is an important foundation for reading and other key skills.
Practices bilateral coordination. Using scissors encourages kids to coordinate both sides of their body at the same time. One hand must hold and turn the paper while the other hand operates the scissors.
It prepares them for handwriting. The same muscle strength and coordination developed by cutting are directly applicable to skills like holding a pencil and forming letters. Building this foundation makes learning to write much easier.

When and How to Start Practicing

Most children are ready to begin practicing with safety scissors around age 2 or 3. Look for signs of readiness, such as interest in cutting or crafts and the ability to open and close scissors.

I know handing a pair of scissors to a toddler or preschooler can feel daunting! Child-safe scissors that only cut paper are a great option to prevent accidents. These work well for both right—and left-handed kids.

Cutting play dough is one of the best ways to start scissor skill practice. The soft dough is easier for little hands to cut than paper. Roll the dough into snakes or other shapes and show your child how to snip it into smaller pieces.

Buy Now

Modeling is Key

When you introduce scissors, be sure to model the proper technique. Demonstrate how to insert the thumb in the top loop and the middle and ring fingers in the bottom loop. Guide your child’s hand in an open-and-close motion to get a feel for operating the scissors.

Check that your child is holding the scissors comfortably in their dominant hand. Lots of encouragement and practice will help them gain confidence!

Make cutting practice fun and engaging by trying different challenges. Have your child follow the lines that you press into the dough, or try cutting out simple dough shapes. Incorporating cutting into craft projects and everyday activities reinforces this vital skill.

The Takeaway

Developing scissor skills is a key milestone that supports your child’s fine motor development, coordination, and school readiness. With consistent practice and positive support, your child will soon be a confident and capable cutter, reaping the many benefits this essential skill provides.