Do you have a toddler that loves to use scissors but is perhaps bored with the usual cutting strips? Here are some other engaging activities we've been using at 2.5 years.
Above is an idea from Days with Grey. It is so much fun and the child can cut one handed - they don't have to hold a paper strip or other objects.
I've put a small model animal into each section of a muffin tray. I've then used coloured craft tape to tape the animals in! Days with Grey use painters tape and I'm confident that Washi tape or masking tape would work well too.
The child can then use the scissors to snip the tape...
and use tweezers (tongs or fingers) to set the animals free.
This is a game, not so much a practical life activity. But it is an excellent way to get lots of cutting into one sitting. Otto at 2.5 years absolutely loves this and will do it over and over, as long as I keep on taping the animals.
This is a fantastic activity because it's kind of cute, it's easy as the tape is pulled tight and the child doesn't have to hold anything and because it encourages a wide range of hand and wrist movements - as the tape is going in different directions the child is cutting in lots of different angles. This has to be good for developing coordination and hand strength!!
For all of these activities I have offered the child different scissors (including the lovely Nienhuis scissors) but these are the ones he chooses every time.
This tray is really enjoyable and I recommend giving it a go!
A Play Dough Snipping Tray! Each colour of play dough is scented differently so this smells good as well as being good for hand development..
As the play dough can be reused, nothing goes to waste!
A Herb Snipping Tray! This is a wonderful practical life activity. You can use many types of herbs. Here Otto is using fresh Mint.
Again nothing goes to waste as we can use the Mint! It smells so fresh!
These trays are quick and easy to put together. If you have some good child size scissors the rest of the items can be found around the house!
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