Paper Cutting & Collaging

Activity Overview

Scissor work is a functional and practical way to exercise the small muscles in the hand, and gain better control over fine motor movements. When combined with a collaging aspect, children are further able to strengthen their fine motor function through working with glue and carefully placing each piece of paper on their artwork. These kinds of activities empower children to become more confident and prepared for more challenging fine motor work as they progress through their school years.

What You Need

• Masking tape or painters tape

• Construction paper in varied colors

• Children’s scissors

• Glue (stick or liquid)

• Drawing utensils

Steps

Note: Learning to use scissors is a way children exercise the small muscles in their hand, and it is important to remind them and help them to hold scissors correctly: Thumb in the small space, fingers in in the bigger space. Hold them with your thumb towards the sky, like you are shaking hands with someone.

1. Use this guide to create cutting lines on pieces of construction paper for your student.

2. Run a piece of masking tape along the top of the paper and stick it to the workspace in front of the student.

3. Have the student practice cutting along the lines.

   1. If your student is not quite to this stage, have them simply practice cutting paper along the edge in little snips.

   2. If your student is able to extend this, remove the tape and have them practice holding the paper as they cut.

Guiding Questions

• How does it feel to use the scissors?

• What other tools can you use with your hands and fingers?

• What happens when you fold the paper and cut through the fold?

Extensions

• If the student is not yet ready to cut, you can engage them in some pre-cutting activities, like picking up objects with kitchen tongs, or using a turkey baster or small plastic syringe to transfer water from one container to another.

• Have the student take all the pieces of their cutting – big, small, bent, or ripped – and give them a plain piece of paper and glue. Have them start to collage and make different scenes or shapes.

• Have the student work on cutting out shapes or animals if they become very well versed with the scissors.