Sweet Scoop and Fill

Ages:: Toddlers (1 to 3)
Play time:: 10 to 15 minutes
Setup:: 2 minutes
Where:: Table

Why it helps

This activity helps your child practice using a spoon for mealtime. By scooping pudding into small cups, they learn how to balance food on a spoon. This builds the hand and wrist muscles needed for independent eating. It is a fun way to work on eye-hand coordination. Your child can explore the smooth texture of the food while they play. Practicing with a thick food like pudding makes it easier to keep it on the spoon. This builds their confidence before they try harder foods at the table.

Steps

Before play, put several spoonfuls of pudding into the aluminum foil pan.
Place six baking cups in a row next to the pan.
Show your child how to scoop the pudding with the spoon.
Encourage your child to scoop the pudding and fill a baking cup.
Let them try to fill all the cups one by one.
Invite them to pour the pudding from the cups into a bowl.
Follow your child's lead if they want to taste the pudding or use their fingers.

Safety tip: Always supervise your child while they play and eat. Ensure they take small bites of the pudding to stay safe.

Make it easier

Use a spoon with a chunky handle for an easier grip
Help them steady the baking cup with one hand
Use a deep bowl instead of shallow cups to catch spills

Make it harder

Use a smaller spoon to practice more control
Try scooping thinner foods like yogurt
Have them fill the cups to the very top without spilling

What to watch for

Notice if your child tries to lick the spoon
See if they use their other hand to help guide the pudding
Observe how they react to the sticky texture on their hands

Where this helps in daily life

Using a spoon helps your child eat foods like yogurt or applesauce alone. These scooping movements are used at every meal.

These activities are for home practice and don't replace the guidance of a licensed therapist.