My 2-year-old granddaughter, Zoey, loves scissor cutting activities. Like all 2 year olds, she’s working on the fine-motor skills and technique needed for cutting. So I put together some inexpensive and super-simple cutting activities using strings of beads.
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Super-Simple Cutting Activity with Strings of Beads – 21-Second Video
Preparing an Inexpensive and Super-Simple Cutting Activity with Strings of Beads
Cutting Tray with Strings of Beads
One of the easiest and most appealing cutting activities to have available for 2 year olds through preschoolers is one that uses strings of beads. Strings of beads are easier to cut than paper, and they’re just lots of fun. You’ll need to show a 2 year old how to hold the scissors. And you might need to hold the string of beads for your 2 year old to cut. Another trick is to have the bead strings pre-cut to lengths of approximately 2 inches. They’re easier to hold than a long string for a child who’s first learning to use a scissor.
I always keep Multicraft trays and Montessori Services baskets available for many activities. I also have Fiskar kids’ scissors in a few different colors. At Zoey’s age, I keep the scissors up out of reach when she’s not using a cutting activity. I got my beads at the Dollar Tree, although you can also get strings of beads on Amazon.
Holiday Cutting Activities with Strings of Beads
Chinese New Year or Valentine’s Day Cutting Activity with Strings of Beads
Valentine’s Day Cutting Tray with Strings of Beads
I used red heart-shaped beads on a string for a Valentine’s Day cutting activity. The tray is a Montessori Services medium-size tray.
Red and gold circular beads on a string would make a nice Chinese New Year cutting activity.
Mardi Gras Cutting Activity with Strings of Beads
Mardi Gras Cutting Tray with Strings of Beads
I got my Mardi Gras beads at the Dollar Tree, although you’ll find a variety of Mardi Grad beads on Amazon. I used a pretty crystal box for the cut beads. It’s often nice to use a special container for some of your Montessori trays so that your child or students feel it’s special and want to be extra careful with the activity.
St. Patrick’s Day Cutting Activity with Strings of Beads
St. Patrick’s Day Cutting Tray with Strings of Beads
Because Mardi Gras is only observed for a short time, I keep the same tray and switch it to a St. Patrick’s Day cutting tray as soon as Mardi Gras is finished. Again, my beads are from the Dollar Tree, but you can find strings of shamrocks or round St. Patrick’s Day beads on Amazon.
We’ll have lots of fun over the next month and a half switching up our cutting activities using strings of beads. Zoey’s doing great with her cutting skills already, and I can’t wait to watch her progress!
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. 🙂
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We have a collection of these beads that we’ve gathered over the years. What a great use for them! Thanks for sharing at the Thoughtful Spot!
Wonderful idea with getting the strings of beads from the dollar store. Our three year old loves cutting construction paper and I’ve been wondering what to introduce her to next to cut. Thank you for the great idea. #ALittleBirdToldMe
I never would have considered cutting those necklaces from the dollar store apart but I think my kids will love this! We don’t do Montessori exactly but teaching life skills is important to me and my oldest child has some delays in this area. Can’t wait to surprise my kids with this tray idea! Thanks.
This is such a great idea. I love how the kids can use it for glueing and ladling later on.