Cut the Buttons is a free app (but with in app purchases) for iPhone and iPad that actually resembles a fine motor task. Promoting use of the iPad as a fine motor tool stretches my professional sense of what fine motor involves (manipulative, haptic interaction of your hand and fingers) but, I have to admit that this app may qualify  – at least somewhat!

Cut the Buttons app provides a virtual scissors requiring you to cut off buttons that enter on the screen. An element of timing and sequencing and spatial relations is required in the single player mode which also requires you to cut the buttons off so they fall into a container. Another element of problem solving presented are metal buttons that ruin your scissors and don’t cut off which also challenge your score. A multi-player mode provides two scissors requiring only cutting the buttons as quickly as you can. Scores are provided as an incentive to beat your prior scores.

Pros of the app are the great graphics, ability to select right or left-handed cutting modes. An arcade option and classic option of play is provided with the ability to select the length of play time (1-5 min) and level or speed of presentation of the buttons (normal and crazy). I found the normal speed to be plenty fast. This app would be best for elementary aged students K – 1st grade and beyond.

A word of warning – this is a Game Center app with ads and in app purchases for advancing your play. Those pop up screens are always annoying. Setting restrictions in your General Settings menu will help you manage unwanted access to purchases or links.

Try it out! This might be an entertaining fine motor/visual motor app for summer road trips for your kids or students. On the other hand, you might just enjoy some free time for your self this summer playing Cut the Buttons!

Enjoy!

Carol