School Days

It was recently brought to my attention that Norah is scissor deficient. I assume full responsibility for said deficiency, as I have frightened both of my children of the evil wiles of my sewing shears since the day they were old enough to pull up to my sewing table.

Norah's Bible Hour teacher told me that when she asked her to cut something out in class, Norah replied (with total sincerity) "I'm sorry. I'm not allowed to use scissors." I was so embarrassed. It never occurred to me that I hadn't taught the child how to use ANY scissors.
Thankfully, a sweet friend gave me some tips to help sharpen N's scissor skills, and they worked like a CHARM.

So, just in case I'm not the only scissor nazi out there, I thought I'd share.

Start with a long sheet of butcher or freezer paper. Measure several parallel lines 2-3 inches apart. Next, draw a perpendicular line (to be used as a stopping point) at varying heights on each line. I also put a letter beside my perpendicular lines, spelling out Norah's and Eli's names.

Tape the paper to the edge of a table or counter, so that it hangs down to the ground.

Then, tell your child to sit down on the ground with their scissors, and cut along the line until they reach the stopping point (or until they reach the letter).

Norah's first line was pretty rough. But I was amazed at how quickly she got the hang of it.

And the best part was, she went from being completely insecure about using scissors, to having a lot of fun and much more confidence before my very eyes. N really enjoyed this activity and has requested it several times since. We have tried variations, such as cutting out different shapes, instead of lines, and she has met each challenge with success and a smile.