Scissor Skill Cutting and Coloring - Arika Williams - Bog

There are many benefits to cutting with scissors, including: -Independent movements of each finger-Strengthens hand muscles-Bilateral coordination skills (two-handed coordination)-Visual motor skills (eye-hand coordination)-Visual perceptual tasks (directionality)-Fine motor skills (separation of hand, finger dexterity)-Promotes grasp pattern-Focus and attentionA child who is following the appropriate developmental track should start cutting at the age of 2 years old. There are many reasons for this: -Cutting allows a child to build up the tiny muscles in the palm of their hand with the continuous open and close of the hand. These muscles are also used for writing, painting, and gripping things like a toothbrush, spoon or fork, and even pulling up pants.-Cutting enhances eye-hand coordination (using vision, processing what is seen, and moving the hand simultaneously to accomplish a task). Other examples of eye-hand coordination: catching/throwing a ball, scooping food with a spoon, and zipping a coat.-Cutting encourages your child to use bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body at the same time while each hand is performing its own task). For example, when cutting a circle, a child must hold the paper with one hand (and continuously turn it) while the other hand is opening and closing the scissors and moving forward to cut. Other examples: zipping up a coat or pants, washing dishes, and opening an envelope.