Scissors are an obvious tool to use to help children develop their cutting skills. In order to aid them with the ability to accurately cut, draw lines and shapes on pieces of paper and have them cut along the lines and shapes to practice using scissors. Begin with straight lines and progress to zigzagged and curved lines. Once children exhibit an ability to cut along these lines, draw simple shapes, such as triangles and squares and have them cut the shapes out. Progress to more complex shapes, such as circles, diamonds and hearts as children become more comfortable with cutting.
Tearing may seem like a rudimentary way to cut, but it helps strengthen the small muscles of the hands that are needed for cutting with scissors. Offer children scraps of paper and instruct them to tear the paper into pieces. The smaller the pieces they tear, the more they will exercise their fine motor muscles. In addition to paper, have children practice tearing cardstock and poster board.
Manipulating clay also helps to develop fine motor skills and improve cutting skills. Offer children clay and encourage them to manipulate it in different ways. Have them roll it into balls or form it into snakes. They can roll it flat with a rolling pin, press cookie cutters into it and remove the shapes created by the cutters. Offer them safety scissors and allow them to practice cutting on the clay.
Picking up objects is another activity that you can engage children in to improve their scissor skills. Set out small items, such as buttons, sequins or paper clips and have children practice picking them up with their thumb and forefinger. Offer kids tweezers and encourage them to use the tweezers to pick up the items and place them in bowls. Have them use tongs to pick up cotton balls, craft pom-poms and pieces of ribbon.