Preschool 2 enjoyed a cutting activity in the garden. Scissor skills offer a variety of benefits for children:
Concentration
Hand-eye co-ordination
Fine motor strength (building up the small muscles in the hand, which are also used for pencil control, brushing teeth, using cutlery/utensils and getting dressed
Dexterity (being able to use their hands in different ways for lots of purposes)
Bilateral co-ordination (using both hands simultaneously for individual tasks – holding the paper and operating the scissors)
Safety First! Practice using scissors safely helps children to understand that they are useful tools for cutting, and that they should never walk or run with scissors in their hand.
EYFS (30-50 months)
Self confidence and self awareness:
- Welcomes and values praise for what they have done.
- Enjoys responsibility of carrying out small tasks.
Managing feelings and behaviour: Begins to accept the needs of others and can take turns and share resources, sometimes with support from others.
Listening and attention: Is able to follow directions
Understanding: Understands use of objects (e.g. “What do we use to cut things?’)
Moving and handling: Uses one-handed tools and equipment, e.g. makes snips in paper with child scissors.
Exploring using media and materials: Realises tools can be used for a purpose (30-50 months) / Uses simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately (40-60 months)
Health and self care: Shows understanding of the need for safety when tackling new challenges, and considers and manages some risks.
