Differentiation

Quick Tips to Improve Precision with Cutting, Folding, & Knotting in the Art Room

Lindsey McGinnis | March 27, 2025

Three tasks in the art room that are now more problematic than ever include folding paper, cutting fluid lines with scissors, and tying knots with string or thread. What do all of these things have in common? They require students to have precision in their fine motor skills. Join pediatric occupational therapist, Dani Dermer, as she shares strategies to encourage precise folding, cutting, and knotting with students in the art room. Gather simple items to use in new ways like books, rulers, various types of paper, straws, play dough, and masking tape. Finally, address separation of hand, the ability for the thumb and fingers to open and close together and discuss appropriate scissors for each age level.

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Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindsey McGinnis

Lindsey McGinnis is AOE’s Media Content Manager and a former high school art educator. She is passionate about equipping art teachers to be successful in their classrooms and firmly believes that art is the best place for students to explore and process the challenging topics and concepts around them.

Quick Tips to Improve Precision with Cutting, Folding, & Knotting in the Art Room

Lindsey McGinnis

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