Teaching life skills to your kids often seems like a marathon. Even the basics, like holding a spoon, feel like significant hurdles. Look no further, as we’ve got your back! This blog post will teach you, step by step, how to instruct your child in the art of spoon-holding. For those who prefer visual learning, remember to check out our embedded Goal Mine class video that’s perfect for kids.
Table of Contents
| Step | Task | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Preparation | Locate a Spoon | Make sure a spoon is available for practice. |
| Wash Hands | Ensure hands are clean before picking up the spoon. | |
| Sit at a Table | Sit comfortably at a table, making sure the table height is appropriate for the child. | |
| Step 2: Hand Placement | Identify the Handle | Point to or touch the handle of the spoon to differentiate it from the bowl. |
| Open Hand | Open the hand that will hold the spoon, fingers spread apart. | |
| Thumb Position | Position your thumb so it is ready to grasp the upper part of the spoon handle. | |
| Step 3: Grasping the Spoon | Reach for the Spoon | Extend the arm and open hand toward the spoon. |
| Grasp the Handle | Close fingers around the upper part of the handle. | |
| Position Thumb | Place the thumb on the opposite side of the handle, essentially pinching the handle between the thumb and other fingers. | |
| Step 4: Correct Positioning | Wrist Alignment | Check that the wrist is not overly bent or twisted. |
| Finger Placement | Make sure fingers are not too close to the bowl of the spoon; they should be closer to the middle or top of the handle. | |
| Grip Check | Ensure that the grip is firm but not too tight. The spoon should be secure in hand. | |
| Step 5: Readiness | Hold Steady | Hold the spoon steady, preparing for the next action (scooping, stirring, etc.). |
| Adult Check | An adult can check if the child is holding the spoon correctly and make any necessary adjustments. |
Step 1: Preparation
- Locate a Spoon: Before the lesson starts, make sure a spoon is within reach. Why a spoon, you ask? Well, spoons are generally easier for kids to handle and less risky than forks or knives. Moreover, spoons are versatile; they’re essential for everything from eating yogurt to digging into a bowl of pasta.
- Wash Hands: This one’s a no-brainer but often overlooked. Before your child touches that spoon, make sure those palms and fingers are squeaky clean. It sets the stage for a habit of cleanliness, which is, above all, a gift that keeps on giving.
- Sit at a Table: Having the right setting is crucial. Ensure the table height accommodates your child comfortably. In other words, their elbows should be at a right angle when they rest their arms on the table.
Read more: How to Clean Kitchen Surfaces
Step 2: Hand Placement
- Identify the Handle: Now, show your child the spoon and expressly point out the handle. Distinguish it from the bowl end so they know exactly where to hold it. Believe it or not, some kids might think the other end looks more fun to grasp!
- Open Hand: Encourage your child to open their hand wide, fingers spread out. This step makes it easier to get a good grip later on.
- Thumb Position: The thumb plays a starring role here. Guide your child’s thumb so it’s supporting the upper part of the handle.
Step 3: Grasping the Spoon
- Reach for the Spoon: Okay, it’s go-time! Ask your child to reach for the spoon. During this phase, you’ll see the fingers and thumb coming into play, eager to do their part.
- Grasp the Handle: Now, guide those little fingers to close around the upper part of the spoon handle. It’s like a mini handshake with the utensil!
- Position Thumb: With fingers in place, the thumb clamps down on the opposite side. It’s almost as if the thumb and fingers are giving the spoon a little hug.
Read more: 10 Tips to Help Your Picky Eater Toddler Try New Foods
Step 4: Correct Positioning
- Wrist Alignment: Check your child’s wrist. If it’s overly bent or twisted, that’s a no-go. A straight wrist is the goal here for practical spoon usage.
- Finger Placement: Let’s talk finger geography. Your child’s fingers should not huddle near the spoon’s bowl; guide them toward the middle or upper region of the handle.
- Grip Check: Lastly, make sure the grip is firm but relaxed. It’s a spoon, not a rock-climbing expedition. A tense hand can make the entire process frustrating.
Step 5: Readiness
- Hold Steady: By now, your child should be holding the spoon like a pro. The following actions—scooping, stirring, or chowing down—are just around the corner.
Optional: Step 6: Adjustment and Feedback
- Adult Check: It’s time for a bit of quality control. Double-check your child’s grip and make any necessary tweaks. This is your opportunity for fine-tuning.
- Practice Time: Let them practice! Whether it’s imaginary play or actual mealtime, nothing beats hands-on experience.
Goally | 100+ Streaming Video Classes
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
You’ve made it through the spoon-holding marathon. In short, mastering these steps paves the way for your child to eat more independently, easing your load and boosting their confidence. But if you want to unlock the complete video lesson series, consider getting Goally’s dedicated Tablet. The embedded video here only covers step one; there’s so much more to explore.
Parenting is a rollercoaster, and every little skill your child picks up is a win. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor is a spoon-holding aficionado. Keep practicing, stay patient, and you’ll get there.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
