Lets practice using a spoon and fork!

Using a spoon and fork can open up a new world of independence for your child. Here are some helpful tips you can use with beginners.

Using a Spoon:

• Initially you can try handing a loaded spoon to the child to take to their mouth. If they are able to grasp it, support their forearm and guide it towards their mouth.
• When learning to load the spoon, use food that is more likely to stick to it such as mashed potatoes, yogurt or rice pudding.
• Use bowls with high sides or a pot to assist with loading.
• You can also use hand-over-hand to help your child learn a scooping action.
• Practice at the beginning of the meal when your child is most hungry and more motivated.
• If your child loses concentration/interest easily, have the spoon yourself and alternate between your child feeding themselves and you giving a spoonful.
• Always make sure you are consistent with your language, for instance, ‘scoop’.

Using a Fork:

• Once the child has mastered using a spoon, they can progress to learning how to use a fork.
• Begin using a plastic bowl, then progress to using a plate.
• A suction bottom or Dycem mat placed under the bowl will help keep the bowl in position and stop it from slipping.
• Use foods that are easier to pick up and can be cut into larger pieces, for example chicken and sausages. Avoid foods that will fall apart, such as boiled potatoes

Additional Supports:

• You could use a visual schedule of the steps involved.
• A reward chart for independent completion of tasks (or attempt at, in the early stages) is also helpful.
• Routine: Use the same routine or strategy each time you complete the same task to help learning.
• Consistency: Be consistent with the words and signs used to assist your child and keep instructions short and simple.
• Motivation: Start with food or drinks that your child really likes to increase motivation.
• Support: Work from behind your child when assisting them or showing them how to do something so that your hands and their hands are moving together in the same direction.

Visual For Eating: