I made the free cutting strips for the zoo unit extra versatile. I chose 8 different animals from Africa so they’ll work well for a zoo animal unit or a unit on Africa. And I chose animals that are in the Safari Ltd. Wild Toob, so you can easily use animal figures with them. The free zoo animal cutting strips are also an instant download and super easy to prepare.
Montessori-Inspired Printables at Living Montessori Now
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My daughter, Christina (a former Montessori child), and I are partnering to bring you a series of Montessori-inspired printables. (Note: Christina has some sweet themed kids’ fitness printables that are great for homes or classrooms!)
The printables are typically themed and use a number of Montessori principles (although you don’t need to be a Montessori teacher or homeschooler to use them). The cutting strips use photographs or realistic images to emphasize reality.
Preschoolers love to learn proper terminology, so I typically tell you the name of the objects or animals featured whenever I can. I just listed the general animal names in the credits, although I told the name of each country in Africa where the animals’ photographs were taken.
Free Zoo Animal Cutting Strips
To download, click here and then click on the file image in the upper right corner of the PDF to save to your computer (just choose where you want it saved).
Montessori-Inspired Activities Using the Zoo Animal Cutting Strips
Zoo Animal Cutting Strips with Tray, Including Safari Ltd. African Animal Figures
Cutting skills are so important for preschoolers. Two year olds can begin working on them, too. When children are first working on cutting skills, they’ll have an easier time cutting cardstock than paper. So, in the beginning, I recommend printing the strips on cardstock. Printer paper is fine for children with more advanced cutting skills.
I used a small Multicraft tray to hold the cutting strip work. I’ve always used Fiskar scissors for kids, which are sharp enough to cut paper easily. For interest, I added the matching animal figures from the Safari Ltd. Wild TOOB.
For home use, I like to have a small container to catch the paper scraps. I used a small wooden box we had, although you could use any small container. For younger children, I recommend keeping the basket or tray up out of reach when it’s not being used.
For classroom use, you might want to use Ziplock bags to catch the scraps. Children have fun taking their scraps home in a bag … or saving them to paste onto a collage.
More Zoo Posts
You’ll find another free Montessori-inspired instant download in my free zoo animal do-a-dot printable.
Montessori-Inspired Packs – Subscriber Freebies
Don’t miss our themed monthly packs! You’ll get the link and password for the Living Montessori Now subscriber library with the current pack and all the past monthly packs if you subscribe to the Living Montessori Now weekly newsletter!
The Best Way to Begin Working on Scissor Cutting Skills
Even before using cutting strips, I recommend using an easier object to cut, such as strings of beads. You’ll find lots of tips and ideas for teaching scissor skills in my post on developing scissor cutting skills with Montessori-inspired activities.
More Montessori-Inspired Paper Cutting Activities
You’ll find ideas for home and classroom setups in my post on Montessori-inspired paper cutting activities.
All Our Free Themed Cutting Strips
I’ve arranged the following gallery in alphabetical order. Just click on an image to go to the post with the related free printable!
You can see all our free cutting strips with the latest at the top here.
I hope your child (or students) enjoys using the cutting strips. 🙂
Learn more about my eBook Montessori at Home or School: How to. Teach Grace and Courtesy!
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