Feeding Myself with a Spoon
Here's What To Do
Give me food that is easy to scoop and sticks to the spoon (like: yogurt, mashed potatoes, mashed banana, mashed avocado).
Put the food in a bowl with a high edge, ideally one that sticks to the table or has a non-skid bottom. Give me a short handled, child sized spoon to use.
Let me practice eating with a spoon at the beginning of a meal when I am hungry and motivated. Continue to offer finger foods alongside spoonable foods.
Help guide me through the "scooping to mouth" process if I'm frustrated or need help.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- When you're seated at the table with me, give me a big smile.
Engage:
- "Okay, Leo's turn. Can you scoop some yogurt with your spoon?"
- "Mmmm, banana! Can you eat it all by yourself?"
Encourage:
- I will most likely spill some food. Encourage me to keep trying. Like: "Oops! You spilled a little. That's okay, you're doing such a good job practicing!"
- Place your hand over mine and gradually reduce your help as I become more independent.
Reflect:
- Isn't it amazing that I am learning to use a spoon? There are so many new things I get to learn now that I'm a little bit older.
Not quite ready?
Let me practice scooping with spoons and toy plastic shovels during play.
Ready for more?
Introduce a child-size fork during mealtimes and help me learn to use it.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to feed themselves some food with a spoon (with expected spills).
Feeding Myself With a Spoon by Ashley & Claire
Check out Acelero Learning families trying this PEER activity at home!