Scissor Practice

Over the years, several Pre-K and Kinder teachers have asked me how I got my kiddos to cut so well. Granted that the majority of the time when it's required, it's usually to cut out squares to glue onto boxes. But I believe children need more dexterity than that.

So I use these simple templates. I've included a sample below. (You can click on the photo for the full size and copy to save on your computer.)

Normally, I draw several different kinds of lines per sheet of scratch paper. I've also drawn loops. These practice sheets are perfect for when a student has finished his work early, and needs something to occupy his time before going on to the next lesson.

Autumn Leaves Are Falling Down!

 

Fall leaves, autumn leaves. Quick and easy. I gave each child a sheet of red, orange, yellow, brown, or green construction paper (this sheet is standard 9x12, but it looks larger because her arms and hands are so tiny.) With a crayon, they traced their hands, then cut them out on the outline. I hung the "leaves" in the room, and whenever the AC kicks on, they "flutter" nicely.

This activity also gave me the chance to check and grade their cutting skills. This early in the year, their use of scissors is very crude, but it does get better with practice.