✂️The Scissor Skills Activity That Gave My Preschooler Confidence
If you’re working on fine motor skills with your preschooler, don’t skip scissor practice. This one activity builds hand strength, wrist control, and independence — all essential pre-writing skills.
We started practicing around age 3, and while I tried a few generic workbooks, the real game-changer was a printable pack created by an occupational therapist on Teachers Pay Teachers.
📸 My daughter working on her cutting practice:
📎 The Cutting Pack That Changed Everything
This isn’t your average workbook. It’s thoughtfully designed to teach proper scissor grip, control, and skill progression — and it even includes a left-handed version!
- ✅ Built-in thumb placement icons
- ✅ Progresses from thick to thin lines
- ✅ Short strips to full-length pages
- ✅ Adds in curves, zigzags, and angles
- ✅ Available in a left-handed format
👉 Click here to grab the OT-created scissor skills bundle (Teachers Pay Teachers)
📸 Preview of the cutting strips progression:
✨ Tips That Made It Fun (and Effective!)
- 🖨️ I print the strips on colored paper to keep things engaging.
- ✂️ I pre-cut strips and store them near her supplies so she can grab & snip any time.
- 📚 We go over scissor safety rules before every session — no cutting anything but paper!
These little routines made scissor time feel less like “practice” and more like play — while still building skills.
✂️ The Right Scissors Make All the Difference
Please skip those plastic “safety” scissors. They barely cut, bend the paper, and frustrate your child.
Instead, we use toddler-friendly scissors with metal blades and a safety guard. They cut smoothly and help build real coordination.
👉 These are the scissors we use and love (metal handle – Amazon)
👉 These are an okay beginner option with a safety guide (Amazon)
📸 Good vs. Not-So-Good Scissors:
✅ Good
🚫 Not So Good
🧠 What’s Included in the Cutting Pack
- 🟢 Short, wide cutting lines (beginner-friendly)
- 🔵 Medium-length lines for control
- 🔴 Long strips + thin lines for precision
- 🟡 Curves, zigzags, and angled cuts
- 🖐️ Thumb placement reminders on each strip
This gradual progression helps your child improve over time without becoming overwhelmed.
💡 More Fine Motor Activities We Love:
- Play-Doh + mini tools
- Dot markers
- Lacing cards
- Hole punch activities (Teachers Pay Teachers)
- Vertical easel for painting
👉 Shop all our favorite fine motor tools here
💬 Final Thoughts
Scissor skills are one of the most underrated ways to build fine motor strength, control, and confidence in preschoolers.
It’s low-prep, screen-free, and fun — and it’s been one of the most rewarding parts of our early learning journey.
Have a favorite cutting activity or scissor tip? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s working for your littles too!