Learning to use scissors Activity
Using scissors supports fine motor coordination, creativity and problem-solving. Tamariki learn perseverance as they master the skill. Whānau can support tamariki to learn how to keep safe when using to scissors and other sharp tools.
Why do it?
- Being able to cut with scissors is a useful skill.
- It requires coordination, strength in the fine muscles in their hands, and lots of practice.
- The ability to use scissors helps to build confidence.
- Once a child can use scissors there are more ways that they can be creative.
How to do it
- You need scissors which are the right size for a child, and some play dough.
- Play dough is an ideal material for learning to cut, because it’s soft and doesn’t slip and slide the way paper does.
- You and your child roll some play dough ‘snakes’ for cutting.
- Guide their hand so they only use one hand to hold the scissors. Their thumb goes through the top hole and their fingers go through the bottom one. Their thumb should always stay on top with fingers below.
- If their hand starts to rotate while they’re trying to cut, use verbal prompts like ‘Thumb on top – where’s your thumb going?’
- Use your fingers to show them the way the blades of the scissors open and close. Talk them through the process, ‘Open and squeeze, open and squeeze’.
- Hold the dough for them and let them cut the dough snake.
- They may try to use two hands to work the scissors in a ‘hedge clipper’ style. Encourage them to go back to using one hand with thumb up and fingers down. This will give them the most success in the long run.
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Kutikuti | Scissors |
| Pepa | Paper |
| Kāri | Cards |
| Kere pokepoke | Playdough |
| Kōnui | Thumb |
| Matimati | Finger |
| Ki raro | Down |
| Ki runga | Up |
| Huakina | Open |
| Kati | Close |
| Kōpē | Squeeze |
| Whāngai kupu | Prompting |
| Me pēnei | Do it like this... |
| Homai tō ringa | Give me your hand |
| Tau kē! | Great! |
| Kia mataara | To be alert, vigilant |
| Kia tūpato, e te tau | Be careful, my darling |
| Āhuahanga | Shape |
| Aro | Notice, pay attention to |
| He rerekē ngā āhua | They are different shapes |
| Pikitia | Picture |
| Whakaahua | Photograph |
| Porowhā | Square |
| Porohita | Circle |
| Porotitaha | Oval |
| Tapatoru | Triangle |
| Tapawhā | Rectangle |
| Rawe | Excellent |
