Who needs a bag of old scissors?

OK, so I am currently looking at the supply list for my son Michael.  He is going into 7th grade.  And the list is long.

I am used to the list being long but the thing is, I always, somehow, end up with extra supplies which end up in a plastic bin in our basement.   I use these extras as needed or donate to the classroom.

This year, I vowed to dig into the bin BEFORE I went to the store to get the supplies for the year.

So I am rooting around in the bin and come across many things from bygone years.  Stickers, a random protractor and used crayons.  But there was a item that got me thinking. It was a plastic bag of scissors that all have Elizabeth’s name on them.

There were  at least four pairs with colored handles.  Innocent at first glance but loaded with memories.

These little guys created many an IEP goal in and of themselves.  They also created stress and anxiety in both Elizabeth and I.  But, also a source of joy when things went well.

You see these scissors, just regular ones, posed so many challenges to Elizabeth and her Dyspraxia.   Her motor planning disorder made judging the  pressure needed to cut hard.  It made it difficult for her to plan and execute the steps needed to even get them on her hands correctly.  And, with its ocular-motor component, it made it hard for her to cut straight and on the line.

So many IEP goals were set, worked on and mastered.  Also, many tears were shed and moods were affected.  All in the name of cutting a piece of paper.

So I offer an option from a mom of a special needs child.   That option is called the Mini Easy Grip Scissors.

These scissors are wonderful and ones I wish we had access to in our early years.  They are smaller than typical ones, which makes guiding them easier and less stressful.

They take less strength to use than traditional ones and they allow for the child to learn the movement it takes to cut paper without the stress.  This may allow for a better transition to other scissors at a later time.

I know I would not be looking at a bag of old scissors if I would have had this option.

Something else that is nice and a quick shout out to my southpaw husband, who insists he never got to cut paper correctly as a child.  These scissors work for both left and right handed people.  So that guess work is done.

I think adding these to a supply pouch would be a great thing.  In fact, I know I would have had a couple pairs around the house to use at home as well.

So since it is that time of year….school supply shopping.  Maybe take a peek at our site to see if you think these would be a good fit for your child. And to read a bit more about them.

Because who really needs a bag of old scissors?

I wish everyone a peaceful week.

Michele Gianetti

author of “I Believe In You: A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey” and “Emily’s Sister”