When Children are learning to use Scissors, they develop these skills in a

particular order:
Scissor Grip:
 Experimenting with scissors as an object (example: banging with them) –
Age 1.5 to 2.5 years old
 Opening and Closing scissor with two hands – Age 2 to 3 years old
 One handed holding often with the thumb at the bottom. Swapping hands
is common – Age 3 to 4 years old
 Holding scissors with the thumb at the top. Swapping hands occurs less
often - Age 4 to 5 years old.

Cutting Skills:
Cutting skills also follow a defined progression, from simple to complex task:
 Snipping/making a single cut – This activity can be practiced with straws,
playdough, paper, and pipe cleaners (more difficult).
 Forward cutting more using many small snips – small pieces of paper such
as post it notes are ideal for practicing.
 Forward cutting along a line, from one point to another – begin with thicker
lines to help the child gain confidence.
 Making simple change in direction while cutting. Encourage children to cut
slowly, stop at the corners first before turning the paper and scissors.
 Cutting out a square.
 Cutting along a curve line, again taking it slowly can be beneficial for
mastering this skill.
 Cutting out a circle.
 Cutting pictures and difficult shapes.

Adapted from Sloan, L. & Kemp, J., 2004, Cut it out: Promoting scissor skills in children, Sloan and Kemp Consultants, NSW.