Learning to Use Scissors

Before children can successfully cut with a pair of scissors, they will need to have developed several different skills. First, they must have enough muscle strength to be able to control and coordinate using two hands together (one hand holds the paper, while the other hand manipulates the scissors). They must be able to isolate the movements of their thumbs, middle fingers, and index fingers. The ability to isolate the action of these fingers allows children to control the opening and closing of the scissors. Here are some helpful suggestions.

Make sure you have a good pair of scissors that were designed to fit properly in a child's hand.
Discuss safety prior to giving a child a pair of scissors: You should never run while holding a pair of scissors. You should be sitting when you are cutting with a pair of scissors, and if you are walking with scissors, be sure to hold the blades in the palm of your hand.
Let the children sit and practice opening and closing the scissors before you give them anything to cut.
Use a heavier weight paper when first learning how to cut.