If you have a toddler who likes to tear paper, what do you do? First reaction would be “Noooooo!” Paper tearing is not something we parents see as beneficial but rather destructive. But you know what? It can be beneficial. If you have a young child who likes to tear paper, might as well make it into a lesson. But of course, the one important rule to drill into their heads would be to GET PERMISSION first. Only tear paper that is supplied by a parent.

So, what are the benefits of paper tearing?

  • teach about size (big, small)
  • teach counting (how many pieces can you tear)
  • teach art (use the torn pieces of paper to make a collage)
  • teach vocabulary (use descriptive word throughout the activity such as “tearing”, “ripping”, “big”, “small”)

I believe the actual act of tearing is also beneficial to their physical development as it refines small muscle movements. Bet you didn’t know tearing paper is actually a skill that will help them later when they learn how to cut with scissors. Another pre-cutting skill is crushing paper.

So the next time you see your baby/toddler tearing paper, look at it as an opportunity for growth and development. Channel and mold their so-called destructiveness into a more positive outcome.