3.3y–5y10 minArtDevelopmental playSelf-care
Left-Hand Friendly Tools: Snip and Make
A supportive, short tool routine that checks hand preference and offers left-handed options (especially scissors) as needed. your child practises safe cutting and mark-making with comfort-focused setup and quick wins.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper (or thin cardboard)
- child-safe scissors (left-handed scissors if needed/available)
- crayons/markers or pencils
- a tray/container for “tool parking”
Nice to have
- tape or glue stick
- a ruler or thick line (marker) to draw cutting guides
- a simple timer for short practice bursts
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneControls tools effectivelyBody· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneShows a preference for a dominant hand.Body· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUses child scissorsBody· 2.9y–5y· core
- MilestoneCuts roughly along a straight lineBody· 3.5y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneUses scissors safelyBody· 3y–4y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies letters from a modelMind· 3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses finger-thumb pencil graspBody· 2.8y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneShows understanding of how to transport and store equipment safely.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneForms recognisable letters independentlyMind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
What it practices
- Handles tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses simple tools to effect changes to materials.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses a pencil and holds it effectively to form recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide a range of left-handed tools, especially left-handed scissors, as needed.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)