Kids aged about 2.5 years old can make a cut on the paper and cut along a straight line by the age of 3. Kids over 4 years old can start cutting circles or squares. Therefore, the practice of scissor skills is a continuous process that develops the different capacity of hands according to the different age of children.

When is the best time for practicing scissors skills?

• 2~3 years old: Use safety scissors to cut the package of snacks or shape the clay into a long strip and then cut off the clay, cut the plastic straw and string into a necklace with a thread. The key is to have some experience without emphasizing the accuracy of holding.
• 3~4 years old: The fingers will develop the splitting function and emphasis can be placed on the accuracy in holding the scissors. Practice activities include lantern paper-cut and stringing the paper strips into necklace.
• 4~5 years old: The stability of purlicue and the splitting capacity of the two sides are mature in development. Children can try different and more complex works such as try to cut off the cartoon shape of a car, sun, or rabbit, the catalogue or flyer.
• 5~6 years: the basic development of hands is mature and can practice cutting different shapes and patterns. For example, cutting off the images from magazines and newspapers for pasting, flower-cut for windows or snowflakes.

2-3 years old   Emphasis on cutting experience, cut by cut.	3-4 years old​   Cut along straight lines.
4-5 years old   Try cutting off the cartoon shape of a car.	5-6 years old Try cutting off various shapes.

When children play games with joy and practice using scissors, this activity not only enhances the manual fine motor and coordination but also increases children’s attention in quiet activities. Children can also have funs and gain sense of achievement from the games. However, adults must company the children to monitor their safety when using the scissors.