When we first moved to Denver, B and M turned 19 months. That’s when I decided to give them their first pair of scissors. They’ve seen me use scissors around the house and they’ve always shown an interest in it.

Here is Brooke’s first lesson in using scissors.

A week later, here she is, concentrating very hard and making these small cuts. What a victory for her to master this!

We have our scissors out on the shelf at all times. This is so the children have the freedom to use it whenever they want. I sewed a special scissor pouch (see picture above, it’s the one with white and yellow daisies and blue background) to keep the scissors safe. I also keep the scissors in its pouch in a little designated tray. Always start by giving your child long strips of paper slim enough so they can cut through with a single snip. Don’t give them thin paper (like printing paper or thin construction paper), cardstock is much easier to cut and will give them more success. For safety reason, make sure the child’s scissors has a blunt end!

The right material is key for your toddler, make sure you consider the size, weight and feel of each item before purchasing it. Here’s where I bought mine:

Scissor: This one from Montessori Services is great. I also love these scissors from Muji

Following my last blog posting, here is B and M playing with water at the kitchen sink –

Brooke pulling the ‘Rock N Roll’ behind her during our morning walk in the park

I got the Rock ‘n Roll when the girls were not walking yet. I thought it would motivate them to walk, but I was wrong! They enjoyed sitting on the floor and rolling it, but for the most part, it didn’t interest them much before they took their first step. However, since they’ve started running around (happens soon after they started walking), they’ve loved this toy.

The Rock n Roll makes a loud clackety-clack on the rocks, which B loves – and does over and over again!

We are lucky not to have downstairs neighbors because the toy does make a loud (but not unpleasant) sound on our wood floor.  That’s why I like to take it with us to the park. They love rolling it around on the grass, the rocks, pavement and the different terrains. Their friends love to play with it too. Also, it’s actually loud enough that you’ll know your child’s whereabouts! I love beautiful, wooden, functional, cause-and-effect toys. This one qualifies.

Our friend, Vivienne, 21 months, takes it for a stroll around the park

You can buy this toy in many different places, but I recommend that you buy this at For Small Hands. Click here or look up Classic Wooden Walk n Roll Y96. Why? Because it is only one of the HUNDREDS of excellent toy/child-appropriate items they sell. To be frank, though I am reviewing this toy on their behalf, I have personally spent hundreds of dollars on their website because I think they have some great stuff. Look through their website and you’ll see what I mean: For Small Hands

Win a Rock ‘n Roll for your child! It’s easy. Send me an email at stephanie@montessorionthedouble.com with the title: “Win A Rock n Roll!” And you’ll be entered for a chance to win. Send me an email now!