Here you’ll find cutting practice pages to develop pre-writing skills in preschoolers and other early learners.
Why would you give a young child scissors?
Good question.
Handing young children scissors is a big deal. You know that scissors aren’t a toy but you are trusting that the child is able to communicate with you and exercise some autonomy with the tool.
Be sure to review scissor safety.
Resource: Cut It Out! A Guide to Scissor Skills
We choose to give children child-safe scissors so that they are able to develop their motor skills while also strengthening the hand muscles they’ll use to begin writing. As strength is developed, hand control can be improved so that hold and controlling writing tool becomes easy. Your child thinks they are playing, you know your child is developing their pre-writing skills. Win.
Is your child ready for cutting practice?
You are the best person to answer this question. It is not based on age, it is based on maturity.
- Does your child have the ability to hold scissors correctly?
- Does your child listen well-enough to not cause themselves or others harm?
- Is your child able to understand and practice scissor safety?
No matter the answer to these questions, adult supervision is necessary, whenever a child has access to scissors.
If your child is not ready for scissors, there are other tools to help develop fine motor skills and gross motor skills like hand hole-punchers, crayons, and large child-safe needles for threading.
If your child is ready to use scissors, we have pages for you to practice cutting for preschool and beyond.
Related:
Cutting Practice Pages for Preschool and Kindergarten
The preschool cutting practice pages can be use for coloring and cuttings. Find the page you want to use and download using the ‘Download’ button. Emails are not required; however, by downloading any files or printables, you accept that they are FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
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Level 1: Preschool Cutting Practice Pages
Level 1 cutting practice for preschoolers is focused on straight lines. The printables in this section have shapes, colors, and numbers that are often introduced at the preschool and kindergarten level.
Colors Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Straight lines in one direction
Skills: Gross motor skills
Use: Help child identify the colors and practice cutting.
Emotions Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Straight lines in one direction
Skills: Gross motor skills
Use: Help child talk about their feelings and practice cutting.
Numbers 1-5 Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Alternating straight lines
Skills: Gross motor skills
Use: Practice identifying the shapes and color each shape prior to cutting.
Shape Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Alternating straight lines
Skills: Fine motor skills and gross motor skills
Use: Practice identifying the shapes and color each shape prior to cutting.
Level 2: Preschool Cutting Practice Pages
Level 2 cutting practice pages includes straight lines, wavy lines, and slightly curved lines for gross motor skills practice.
Harvest Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Straight lines and wavy lines
Skills: Gross motor skills
Use: Talk about gratitude and introduce the word harvest to children prior to cutting.
Leaves Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Straight lines and wavy lines from one direction.
Skills: Gross motor skills
Use: Talk about different types of leaves and practice cutting.
Space-Themed Cutting Printable
Format: Alternating wavy lines and straight lines
Skills: Gross motor skills
Use: Talk about space, color, and cut lines
Sweets-Themed Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Alternating curved and wavy lines
Skill: Gross motor skills and fine motor skills
Use: Ask children about their favorite sweets, watch video about how a sweet is made, color, and practice cutting.
On-The-Go Vehicles Cutting Printable
Format: Straight lines and wavy lines
Skill: Gross motor skills and fine motor skills
Use: Talk about transportation options and when each mode of transportation may be used. Also color the pictures and cut the lines.
Sea Creatures Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Alternating straight and wavy lines.
Skill: Gross motor skills and fine motor skills
Use: Explore animal of the sea. Talk about the animals and the similarities and differences. Color the photos and cut along the lines.
Insect Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Alternating straight and wavy lines.
Skill: Gross motor skills and fine motor skills
Use: Explore animal of the sea. Talk about the animals and the similarities and differences. Color the photos and cut along the lines.
Pumpkin Patch Cutting Practice Printable
Format: Alternating straight and wavy lines.
Skill: Gross motor skills and fine motor skills1
Use: Explore animal of the sea. Talk about the animals and the similarities and differences. Color the photos and cut along the lines.
Level 3: Preschool + Kindergarten Cutting Practice Pages
Level 3 cutting practice worksheets are the most advanced of the collection. These pages include straight lines, wavy lines, curvy lines, and deep zig-zag lines.
Ugly Sweater Cutting Practice Worksheet
Format: Alternating straight and wavy lines from one direction.
Skill: Gross motor skills
Use: Cut along the lines
Things That Go Cutting Practice Worksheet
Format: Alternating straight and wavy lines from one direction.
Skill: Gross motor skills
Use: Cut along the lines
Hopefully these preschool cutting practice pages were just what you were searching for. Whether you use Level 1, level 2, or level 3, please remember that the child’s cutting will not be perfect and that’s ok. The main benefit may be stronger hand muscles from practicing their motor skills and personal enjoyment from shredding the cutting pages to pieces.
