Scissors - Page 11 of 28

Pom-Pom Popper Target Game

A preschooler playing the pom-pom popper game, demonstrating bilateral hand use and aiming toward a bucket target. | Close-up on child's hands loading a pom-pom into a paper cup launcher, highlighting fine motor control and visual motor skills.

Steps:

Adult Step: Use scissors to cut the bottom out of the paper cup. Cut the knot end off the balloon, then stretch the balloon tightly over the open bottom of the cup and secure it.”
“Place a bucket, basket, or cardboard box about five feet away to act as your target.”
“Show your child how to load a pom-pom into the top (uncovered) end of the cup launcher.”
“Have your child hold the cup firmly with one hand, pull the balloon knot back with the other hand, aim at the target, and release the knot to launch the pom-pom!”
“Count how many pom-poms land inside the target for some added sequencing practice.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is needed, especially during setup involving scissors. If the balloon breaks, immediately collect all pieces as broken balloons are a significant choking risk.

Foam Monster Feed

Steps:

An adult should cut out a large, fun shape from the Foam Sheet and Glue it securely onto the Plastic Container (this is the monster’s face).
Use Markers to draw a face. Then, carefully poke 10 to 15 small holes through the Foam and Container. The holes should be slightly smaller than the Pipe Cleaners for good resistance.
Place the container on the table. Ask your child to use one hand to firmly hold the container steady (proximal stability).
Challenge your child to use their dominant hand to pick up one Pipe Cleaner (the “monster snack”) using a precise Pincer Grasp.
Encourage them to push the pipe cleaner straight into one of the resistant holes to ‘feed’ the monster. The pushing provides great heavy work for their hands.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Pipe cleaners can have sharp ends after cutting or pose a mild choking hazard if put in the mouth. Ensure the bucket is stable before the child pushes the materials.

Clothespin Feather Match

Steps:

Prepare the ‘Clipping Creature’ by decorating the plastic container with markers.
Use index cards to draw and cut several long strips. These are your colorful ‘feathers.’
Draw small, matching colored dots on the rim of the container and on the ends of the clothespins (e.g., red dot on rim, red dot on pin).
Encourage your child to pinch open a clothespin. Clip a colorful index card feather onto it first.
Challenge them to clip the clothespin onto the container’s rim. The color on the pin must match the color dot on the container.

Safety Tip:
If the child is using scissors during step two, ensure constant adult supervision. Only use child-safe scissors.

Pipe Cleaner Towers

Steps:

Fold and cut the index cards into various shapes like squares, rectangles, and triangles. These are your building blocks.
Using the scissors, carefully snip small, narrow slits (like buttonholes) along the edges of the index cards. These are the connection points.
Encourage the child to first sketch out their tower design, deciding which shapes go where (the planning phase).
Use the pipe cleaners to thread through the slits, connecting the index card pieces to build the tallest, most stable structure possible.
If the tower collapses, encourage the child to examine the weakest point and try a new design, practicing persistence and frustration tolerance.

Safety Tip:
Always ensure the child uses age-appropriate scissors safely and receives supervision during the cutting steps.

Paper Plate Fortress

Steps:

Gather your materials: a paper plate (this is your foundation), several index cards, and a roll of masking tape. Keep the scissors nearby for cutting tape.
Challenge your child to fold the index cards into structural shapes, such as folding them into thirds lengthwise to create strong triangular pillars, or curling them into a cylinder and securing the edge. Focus on making precise, sharp folds!
Encourage them to cut small, manageable pieces of masking tape and use these to secure the folds, ensuring the structures are stable and strong enough to support weight.
Using the paper plate as a base, have your child construct a sturdy ‘fortress’ or tower by taping the folded index card pieces together and attaching them securely to the plate. How tall can they make it?

Safety Tip:
Ensure your child is using age-appropriate scissors safely and maintaining good sitting posture (feet flat on the floor, elbows resting comfortably on the table) to maximize fine motor control.