scissor skills

Skull And Crossbones Art

September 15, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Most years a pirate theme finds its way into our curriculum offerings. The theme involves action figures, boats, and lots of treasure, so what’s not to love? This year we included skull and crossbones art, which led to interesting discussions!

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Oh, so easy skull and crossbones art project your little learners will love. Two free printables are included for the scissor skill activity.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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What I like most of all about a pirate theme is the way it enhances children’s language. Near the beginning of the school year, dramatic pirate language (demonstrated in storybooks) helps draw children out of their shells as they practice it in pretend play. Later on, it presents opportunities to work on sounds children may still be having difficulty with (think letter R / “arrr”.)

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International Talk Like A Pirate Day

An International Talk Like A Pirate Day is held every year on September 19. Celebrating it in the classroom fits in well with the benefits of imitating pirate talk at the beginning of the school term (which is in September where I live.}

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The Skull And Crossbones Art Project

Near the end of my latest pirate theme, I offered a little skull and crossbones art activity. (A skull and crossbones symbol was one of the designs used on pirate ships.) Although the main goals were to discuss symmetry and practice scissor skills, the activity also inspired lively group conversation.

Oh, so easy skull and crossbones "creepy art" activity your little learners will love. Two free printables are included for the scissor skill ainvitation.

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Children cut out a skull and crossbones from a printable and then used felt markers to decorate it.

Invitation to create "creepy art" with two free skull and crossbones printables. Scissor skill practice is also a goal.

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My preschoolers loved the decorating phase. And they called their designs “creepy art.” That term (which rolled off their tongues numerous times) was the inspiration for drawing spiders and dripping blood. (There were a few hearts to soften the look.)

This led me to tell them that there is such a thing as creepy art and that it is perfectly legitimate. Skull and crossbones art fits the label, and some of it is even described as “gorgeous” and “pretty” online.

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Skull And Crossbones Printables

The simple pirate-themed art activity was so well-received that I thought it was worth sharing in a blog post. It’s easy to pull out on International Talk Like A Pirate Day, or any time of the year.

Here are two free printables to download so your little learners can make creepy art too.

This first printable can be cut out and decorated. Or you can skip the cutting phase.

Skull and crossbones template to download for scissor skill practice and art.

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Skull And Crossbones PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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The second printable is designed to be folded in half lengthwise and then cut. It’s a good activity to discuss symmetry.

Skull and crossbones template to download for scissor skill practice and art. Learning about symmetry is also a possibility.

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Skull And Crossbones Scissor Skill PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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The work of Salvador Dali is an example of exquisite creepy art. An artist theme on Dali would be a great follow-up to this skull and crossbones art activity.

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And for more pirate-themed fun, try this “Exploding Treasure Chests” science experiment by FUN-A-DAY.

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Related: Pirate Treasure Bin

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Teacup And Peony Sensory Tray

July 7, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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This teacup and peony sensory tray is bound to wow the little charges in your care. The chance to cut gigantic flowers and use teacups in waterplay are sure to be tactile activities they want to try.

The flower-themed sensory tray is an afterthought of a project I originally wanted to do. A few years back I shopped for low, wide teacups to set peonies in as a gift for Mother’s Day or year-end. But I couldn’t find teacups in the shape I wanted. I decided to table the idea for the future, determined to pair peonies and teacups in some way.

We have a peony plant in our yard, so that makes an activity with the spotlight-grabbing flowers economical to do. This year peonies were late bloomers due to our extremely looooong winter! Mine didn’t bloom in time for Mother’s Day or our last day of preschool in June, so I decided on plan B: to feature peonies and teacups in a summer sensory tray!

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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An easy-to-set-up flower-themed sensory tray that features teacups and show-stopping peony flowers.

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Ten Peony Facts

Peonies are large, layered flowers that look like many-petalled roses.
The stunning flowers can measure up to 10 inches wide.
The blooms come in many colors, such as white, pink, red, coral, maroon, or yellow.
Many kinds of peonies are fragrant. Their smell varies from sweet, citrusy, or slightly spicy.
There are early, midseason, and late blooming varieties.
Peony plants are hardy to zone 3 and embrace cold winters.
The striking plants can live up to 100 years.
Ants are attracted to peonies, eating the sugary sucrose the buds secrete before they open.
Peonies make an excellent cut flower.
Popular throughout history, peonies symbolize romance and love. In China and Japan, peonies represent bravery, honor, respect, good fortune, and prosperity.

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Sensory Tray Supplies To Collect

An easy-to-set-up flower-themed sensory tray that features show-stopping peony flowers.

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For this easy-to-set-up sensory tray, gather the following:

large tray or bin
tea cups and saucers
cut peony flowers and leaf stems
peony bud sprays
bowls
cake stand
small plant pots and watering cans
ant and fly figurines
large tablespoons
scissors

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The Teacup And Peony Sensory Tray

In a large sensory bin or active world tray, set up stations with a teacup and saucer, large spoon, and pair of scissors.

Note: My featured tray includes china teacups and saucers. Use unbreakable ones as an alternative if you are more comfortable with that. No matter which kind of cups and saucers you choose, this sensory activity should be supervised closely.

Set plant pots, bowls, and water-filled spray bottles and watering cans around the teacup stations.

Cut peonies leaving two inches of stem, and set one in each teacup.

Position three large peonies cut right to the flower base on a cake stand in the middle of the play tray for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Three flowers on a cake stand make a stunning centerpiece in a peony and teacup sensory tray play invitation.

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Spread peony leaf stems and bud sprays around the bin, and top them with ant and fly figurines.

Invite your little learners to explore the dainty sensory tray.

Set up this peony flower sensory play invitation your little learners will absolutely love in just minutes!

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Note: Before going ahead with the activity, I researched whether peonies are safe to use with children. Some websites say they are toxic if consumed in large quantities but not harmful to the skin if touched.

Since my students do not have a habit of putting things in their mouths, I decided these flowers were a go for a sensory tray. Aside from the tactile experience, I felt it would be a good opportunity to discuss plant-tasting and possible toxins/poisons.

If the children in your care like to explore by putting things in their mouths, choose an edible flower for this activity

Tip: To stave off ants, it’s best to snip buds before the flowers bloom, and use them once they open. But since we only have one peony plant in our yard, I decided to wait until bloom time so my family could enjoy the flowers first!

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Benefits Of The Teacup And Peony Play Tray

Developing eye-hand coordination, practicing using scissors, exploring fluffy peony flowers, and getting the opportunity to use teacups are just some of the benefits of this gorgeous sensory invitation.

Early learners get plenty of practice with scissor skills and eye-hand coordination in this peony flower sensory play invitation.

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Blogposts About Peony Flowers

Interested in learning more about peony plants? Here are two great blog posts about them:

“The Magic Of Peonies” by salisburygreenhouse.com.
“How To Grow Peonies” by thespruce.com.

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This beautiful peony and teacup sensory tray allows for practice with scissors skills and eye-hand coordination. Peony facts are included.

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Scissor Skill Shamrock Collage

March 13, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

An invitation to cut textured craft supplies to decorate a shamrock.

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Ireland is called “The Emerald Isle”, after emerald gems. This is because the landscape has many shades of green. Inspired by the luscious land, this shamrock collage craft is full of green textures and shades. There are tidbits of yellow and orange sprinkled in too.

A shamrock is a young sprig of clover. Each leaf has three heart-shaped leaflets. The shamrock is an emblem of Ireland and is a huge part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It is also incorporated into everyday Irish life, seen on buildings, monuments, dishware, jewelry, fabric, stamps, and logos.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

For this activity, collect craft supplies in orange, yellow, gold, and many shades of green. Feathers, pompoms, pipe cleaners, crepe paper, tissue paper, bead garland strips, straws, and yarn are good choices. Shamrock confetti and foam shamrocks could be added to the mix.

You will also need:

green construction paper
tray
scissors
white glue
glue paddle
shamrock template (downloadable below)

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Shamrock template for a collage or painting activity.

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Shamrock PrintableDownload

This printable is for personal or one classroom use only.

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Making The Shamrock Collage Craft

Set out a tray of craft supplies, and let your little learner cut them smaller.

Invite your little one to glue the cut shapes to the paper shamrock.

Invitation to cut and paste textured craft supplies to decorate a shamrock.

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Let the craft dry.

Shamrock collage with rust, green, and yellow textured craft supplies.

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Cutting textured collage supplies gives your early learner next-level scissor skill practice. And the resulting collage pieces make the craft project waaaaay more interesting than if all the supplies were precut.

Shamrock collage with rust, yellow, and green textured craft supplies.

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Scissor Skill Heart Collage

February 10, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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A simple but effective activity to plan is a scissor skill heart collage invitation. Early learners will be able to explore luxurious craft supplies with unique properties and textures and complete a display-worthy project.

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Craft Supplies To Collect

Gather craft supplies that can be cut and glued in the color scheme of your choice. I feature traditional Valentine’s Day hues, but any color scheme would work beautifully. Cut the materials a little smaller if desired, but keep them large enough for little ones to trim some more.

Luxurious craft supply tray for heart collage crafts.

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Included in this first compartment tray are:

pipe cleaners
crepe paper
tin foil
metallic purple paper
foam strips
heart patterned ribbon strips
thin and thick ribbon strips
lace
paper doily pieces
white and red bead garland
heart garland
scissors

Red, pink, and white craft supply tray for heart collage projects.

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This second craft supply tray holds:

pink and white crepe paper
rose petals
foam pieces
Valentine’s envelopes
white yarn
cream lace
paper strips
red, gold, and white ribbon
white bead garland

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Making The Heart Collage Projects

Cut large hearts from fadeless construction paper.

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Divide up the craft supplies into small trays.

Set up stations with a craft supply tray, pair of scissors, paper heart, white glue, and glue paddle.

Invitation to cut and glue luxurious craft supplies to make a heart collage.

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Invite early learners to cut the supplies and glue them onto their hearts.

After the embellished hearts dry, hot glue a bow onto each one. Add loops of thin ribbon for hanging the crafts.

Scissor skill heart collage made by cutting and glueing luxurious craft supplies.

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This scissor skill heart collage project gives little ones a chance to strengthen their finger muscles while learning how to cut and glue a variety of craft supplies. And the collaged hearts are sure to be treasured by loved ones.

Scissor skill heart collage projects made by cutting and glueing luxurious craft supplies.

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Scissor Skill Snow Cutting Activities

January 30, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Invitation to cut craft supplies to make fake snow. The snow is featured in small world and sensory activities. Scissor skill practice for early learners.

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A scissor skill snow cutting activity snipping craft supplies is sure to attract your child’s attention. A rich base will be created for small world and sensory activities. A bonus is that this snow will never melt or be too cold to play with.

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Supplies To Collect

Go on the hunt for white, neutral, and silver craft supplies:

strips of cardstock paper
packing peanuts
straws
yarn
tissue paper
crepe paper
foil
ribbon
cotton balls
bows
lace
bead garland

Also needed:

blunt-edged children’s scissors
storage tray (to hold the precut supplies)
small cookie sheets

White and neutral craft supply tinker tray. Scissor skill activity to create fake snow and bits and pieces for collage and sensory activities.

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Scissor Skill Snow Cutting Set Up

Fill a storage tray with items for cutting.

Set the tray with scraps on a table along with pairs of scissors. Invite your child to choose pieces to snip smaller over a cookie sheet. Feel free to join your child in making snow.

White and neutral craft supply cutting tray set up. Scissor skill activity to create fake snow and bits and pieces for collage and sensory activities.

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Encourage your child to stand and cut. Studies show that children sit down for an enormous time each day, so adding activities where they are on their feet reduces sedentary time. (View an article that cites the benefits of standing versus sitting at standupkids.org.)

The variety in materials offered facilitates scissor skills. For instance, stiffer pieces are easier to hold with the helping hand and harder to cut items increase small muscle strength in the cutting hand.

This scissor skill snow cutting activity offers rich opportunities for language development. Model and discuss descriptive words. Here are some possibilities:

Descriptive words to describe craft supplies in a snow cutting tray.

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Cutting practice with craft scraps offers a non-threatening way for young children to develop scissor skills. There is no wrong way to do it, so frustration is minimized. Children can experiment and cut the materials that work for them.

Early learners can start using scissors with guidance. For tips on teaching children to use scissors, view my post “Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity.”

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Activities With Craft Snow

Once there is a little pile of cut snow, use it in sensory and small world activities.

Polar Small World

Bead garland water, an igloo, and polar animals are highlights of this small world.

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Polar small world with craft supply snipped snow, gem ice cubes, a seal, and bead garland water. — Seal

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Polar small world with craft supply snipped snow, gem ice cubes, and polar bears. — Polar Bears

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Polar Sensory Tray

A take-out food container works beautifully as a sensory tray featuring small figurines.

A snack tray repurposed as a small world with snipped craft supply snow and polar figurines. With the lid snapped on, this play tray is transportable.

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Place the fake snow in one compartment, and the figurines in the other. This tray can be taken along on outings with the lid snapped on.

A snack tray repurposed as a small world with snipped craft supply snow and polar figurines. With a lid snapped on this play tray is transportable.

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Winter Sensory Bag

A large snack bag or small freezer bag can house reusable snow and figurines of any kind. This sensory bag is also portable.

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Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

December 18, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Super fun Santa's beard scissor skill activity. Scissor use tips and guidelines are included.

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This Santa’s beard scissor activity is a fun way to introduce cutting practice. The combination of a favorite activity (using scissors) and a well-loved character (Santa Claus) is a win-win. Snipping the beard strands adds a challenge, as yarn is more difficult to cut than paper.

By participating in cutting activities, early learners grow in their physical development. They get practice in bilateral coordination: using hands and fingers on both sides of the body at the same time to do two different things. Hand muscles are strengthened. And eye-hand coordination (being able to cut with one hand while following the movement of scissors with the eyes) is improved.

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Setting Up The Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

Materials needed:

threadable Santa head wall décor

white yarn

30-cm / 12-inch ruler

children’s scissors

white duct tape

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Preparing The Scissor Activity

Cut yarn into 60-cm / 24-inch strips using a standard ruler as a guide.

Cut strips of yarn in 60-cm/24-inch sections to string through Santa head wall decor. A scissor practice activity for young children.

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Thread yarn through Santa’s chin to enhance his beard.

Repurpose Santa Head Wall Decor as a scissor skill activity. String white yarn to enhance Santa's beard and prepare it for cutting.

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Repurposed wall decor Santa with enhanced yarn beard for cutting. A super fun scissor skill activity for young children.

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Add a layer of white duct tape at the back to stabilize the yarn.

Back view of Santa Head Wall Decor. A strip of white duct tape stabilizes the threaded yarn beard extensions. A scissor activity for young children.

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Place the Santa head on a table with a pair of children’s scissors for an invitation to trim his beard.

An invitation to trim Santa's beard with repurposed wall decor. A scissor skill activity for young children.

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Tip: Santa can be placed sideways on a table. Then children can hold a section of Santa’s beard with their nondominant helping hand and cut the beard in the direction away from their body with their dominant cutting hand.

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Choosing Scissors

Scissors offered should have blunt edges. Fiskars children’s scissors are highly regarded by teachers.

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Scissor Use Technique

Thumbs on each hand point up.

The thumb in the cutting hand goes in the small hole of the scissors.

The middle and index finger go in the larger hole. The ring and pinky finger curl under the scissors into the palm.

Elbows are positioned near the ribs.

Scissors are held at least 8 inches from the face and pointed away from the body.

The non-dominant “helping hand” holds the paper and moves it during the cutting process.

Tip: To help children remember to keep their thumb up, place two googly “crocodile eyes” on top of the scissors. Encourage children to “snap like a crocodile opening and closing his mouth.”

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Santa head wall decor repurposed as a beard trimming scissor activity for young children. The white yarn is threaded through Santa's chin to add beard extensions perfect for cutting.

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Guidelines For Using Scissors

Young children need supervision when using scissors. These guidelines are helpful to discuss with them:

Cut only paper or the assigned cutting materials.

Do not cut your own or others’ hair, lips, fingers, or clothes.

Do not cut toys.

No running with scissors.

When walking with scissors, hold the scissors closed and pointing down. (The need for walking with scissors should be minimized.)

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Scissor Skill Progression

Using scissors is challenging for early learners. With plenty of practice, cutting will improve and get less messy. Scissor skills are not fully developed until children are six years old.

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Alternatives To Using Santa Head Wall Decor

A yarn-bearded Santa can be crafted from a paper plate. Or a Santa to embellish can be cut from a Christmas card or gift bag.

Invitation to trim gift bag Santa's beard.

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A “Trim The Beard Paper Plate Santa” activity is featured on kidscraftroom.com .

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A Santa’s beard scissor activity can be offered before Christmas, so Santa can be “Christmas Eve ready.” Or it can be set out after Christmas Day…because then Santa finally has time for self-care!

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