Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Tools used by toddlers

    Posted 02-13-2019 01:33 AM
    My class age is 2 to 3. They talk very well. I like to give them skills that are advanced such as using knives and scissors. I give them knives to cut their food or for playdough cutting. They use scissors for cutting paper or magazines. Is this skill appropriate for the age group?

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    Michelle Jones
    Lead Teacher and Mentor
    HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CHILD CARE CENTER
    Washington DC
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  • 2.  RE: Tools used by toddlers

    Posted 02-14-2019 11:30 AM
    I believe that cutting is an appropriate skill for 2-3 year olds.  As with everything, each child will be on a different level with these skills based on their previous experiences (and not always their chronological age).  I notice that 2-year-olds tend to be at the stage of fringing the edges of paper with scissors while 3-year-olds are closer to approaching cutting out an object on a magazine page or specific shape on a piece of paper.  For knives, I also give children plastic knives for cutting their food or play dough and think this is an important life skill to include in any program.

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    Sherrie Rose Mayle
    Director/Teacher
    Campbell Parents' Participation Preschool
    Campbell, CA
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  • 3.  RE: Tools used by toddlers

    Posted 02-14-2019 11:40 AM
    I would agree that these skill sets are appropriate to start teaching at this age. The more you expect from children the more you will see them accomplish. If you look at Montessori curriculum you will see that they use glass and china dishware and butter knives etc. Teaching children that they are capable of using real tools also gives the children a sense of confidence and self-worth. I have a very hard time with fake tools and toy versions of equipment that children should be able to experience. If they are not ready to use a real screw driver or a hammer, giving them a fake one isn't going to teach them how to use a real one appropriately and to me gives off a feeling of disrespect.

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    Susan Garrison
    Lanesborough MA
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  • 4.  RE: Tools used by toddlers

    Posted 02-14-2019 01:33 PM
    I usually base if a child is ready for something on the individual child and not their age. I have had 2 year olds ready to write their names and numbers and others not ready to sit at a table for any type of sit down project. The most important thing is that you give them just enough to challenge them and not frustrate them so they are improving their skills and adding to them when they are ready.

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    Temesha (Ms. Tessie) Ragan
    Family Child Care IF Facilitator
    Perfect Start Learning
    Family Child Care Provider
    Edwards, CA
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