Paper Rips & Scissor Cuts

Older babies & toddlers love to rip paper. Actually,  they love to rip anything! Did you know that's great for their fine motor coordination? Give them grocery store advertisements, newspapers, old junk mail, foil, paper that should go in the shredder,etc. They will love it! As your toddler gets older, shredding paper may get boring.  Now, it's time to introduce them to cutting with scissors! Scissor cutting should be strictly supervised!! In a larger plastic container or box, give your student lots/varied textures of materials to cut. Learning & practicing cutting with scissors often leads to later preschool & elementary success & confidence!  If you have multiple age groups at home, let the kids work out of the same container. Toddlers get fine motor practice by ripping paper. More importantly,  toddlers will learn by observation of older children using scissors.  Older children will benefit by helping and teaching younger children about scissor practice.  Teaching younger ones reinforce their current learning! Attention spans of toddlers & preschoolers are short. 10-15 minutes for toddlers.  10-20 minutes for preschoolers.  Have fun!