Skill: Self Help (Feeding)

Building the skills needed to eat independently. This includes holding a spoon comfortably, scooping food, and bringing a cup to the mouth without spilling.

The Foil Cupcake Scoop

The Foil Cupcake Scoop

Steps:

  • Tear off several small squares of aluminium foil using both hands.
  • Show your child how to crumple each foil square into a round ball to make ‘ice cream scoops.’
  • Place a baking cup on the table and have your child use their helper hand to hold it steady.
  • Use the spoon to scoop a foil ball and carefully place it inside the baking cup.
  • Once the ‘cupcake’ is in the cup, pick up a small bead using a pincer grasp (thumb and index finger).
  • Gently set the bead on top of the foil ball to act as a sprinkle.
  • Continue adding more ‘sprinkles’ until the cupcake is fully decorated!
  • Challenge your child to dump the cup and start again with a different colored bead.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child closely during play. Small beads and crumpled foil can be a choking hazard, so ensure they do not put any materials in their mouth.

The Foil Pan Bead Scoop

The Foil Pan Bead Scoop

Steps:

  • Place the aluminium foil pan on a flat table.
  • Fill the pan about halfway with cool water.
  • Drop a handful of colorful beads into the water.
  • Give your toddler a sturdy spoon to hold.
  • Ask them to scoop up one bead at a time.
  • Challenge them to carry the bead to a nearby bowl.
  • Drop the rescued bead into the empty bowl.
  • Continue until all the beads are moved out of the water!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beads are small parts. Always supervise your toddler closely and ensure they do not put beads in their mouth.

The Cotton Ball Scoop Race

The Cotton Ball Scoop Race

Steps:

  • Place a large bowl filled with cotton balls on a table in front of your child.
  • Set an empty basket a short distance away on the same table.
  • Hand your child a spoon and show them how to scoop up one cotton ball.
  • Encourage them to carry the ‘cloud’ on the spoon without letting it fall.
  • Ask them to drop the cotton ball gently into the empty basket.
  • Challenge them to fill the entire basket as fast as they can!
  • To add a challenge, move the basket further away to encourage longer reaching.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during play to ensure they use the spoon safely. Keep all materials away from the mouth to prevent any risk.

The Pool Noodle Dinner Prep

The Pool Noodle Dinner Prep

Steps:

  • Place a pool noodle on a flat surface like a table or paper plate.
  • Have your child hold the noodle steady with their helper hand.
  • Hand them a plastic safety knife with their other hand.
  • Show them how to move the knife back and forth in a sawing motion.
  • Encourage them to cut the noodle into small food slices.
  • Once they have a pile of slices, they can serve them on a paper plate!

Safety Tip:
Always use a dull plastic safety knife and supervise your child closely to ensure they use a safe sawing motion.