07/21/2026
We have done lots of cutting summer with our little friends that are headed to Kindergarten!
✂️ Why is cutting so much harder than it looks?
Scissor skills are about so much more than holding a pair of scissors.
Before a child can cut successfully, they need a strong foundation:�
✔️ Hand strength to repeatedly open and close the scissors using the small muscles of the hands and fingers.
✔️ Activity tolerance to keep their hands working without tiring quickly.
✔️ Bilateral coordination—the ability to use both hands together while doing different jobs at the same time. One hand opens and closes the scissors, while the other hand stabilizes and turns the paper. That's a big skill!
The best way to improve cutting isn't by cutting for hours. It's by building the skills that come first.
Try activities like:�
🟣 Rolling out play dough with a rolling pin�
🟣 Picking up pom-poms with tongs and dropping them into a cup�
🟣 Stringing beads�
🟣 Tearing paper, squeezing clothespins, or using spray bottles
When these foundational skills get stronger, cutting becomes easier, more accurate, and much less frustrating.
💙 Want even more OT-approved activities to build the skills needed for scissor success?
Comment "APP" and I'll send you the link to my Occupational Therapy Coaching App!
