AM T2.07Snipping with Scissors
Seated at a table, the child snips narrow strips of paper into small pieces with small child-safe scissors.
Safety
- Use small child-safe scissors with blunt tips, and have an adult beside the child for every use.
- The child uses scissors only while seated at the table and does not walk or run with them.
- If the child cuts hair, clothing, or anything other than the paper, put the scissors away for the day.
- Store scissors on the tray in a set place, and count them back after the work period.
Presentation
- 1
Carry the tray to the table and sit beside the child. The scissors stay on the tray until both of you are seated.
- 2
Pick up the scissors with the thumb in the top hole and fingers in the bottom hole. Open and close them slowly twice.
- 3
Hold a strip at one end with the other hand, fingers well away from the blades.
- 4
Open the scissors wide, place the strip deep between the blades, and close them in one movement. This is the point of interest: the piece falls into the bowl.
- 5
Snip two more pieces, then lay the scissors closed on the tray.
- 6
Offer the scissors to the child, handles first. Help them place their thumb in the top hole if needed.
- 7
Let the child snip. If they stand up or walk with the scissors, say 'Scissors stay at the table' and wait until they sit.
- 8
When the strips are used, show how to lay the closed scissors on the tray, empty the pieces into the gluing bowl or the recycling bin, and return the tray.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Wider strips that need two snips
- Snipping a fringe along the edge of a sheet
- Snipping across a thick line drawn on a strip
- Using the snipped pieces in Gluing Paper Pieces
Control of error
The strip: a piece falls only when the scissors close fully across it; a partial cut leaves the piece hanging.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Opens and closes the scissors with one hand
- Snips a narrow strip in one cut
- Holds the strip with fingers away from the blades
- Keeps the scissors at the table and returns them closed
Guide note
Montessori sources commonly introduce scissors between about 2.5 and 3 years. Loop scissors, which spring open by themselves, can help a child who cannot yet open the blades with the thumb.