The Bowl That Stays Put
What you need
- a bowl with high sides
- a damp cloth
- a short spoon
- mashed potato or porridge
How to do it
- Lay a damp cloth flat on the table and stand the bowl on it so it won't slide.
- Use a bowl with high sides so there's something to scoop against.
- Put their food in and let them scoop.
- Show them how to push the spoon towards the side of the bowl to load it.
Why it matters
A bowl that slides away every time the spoon goes in turns scooping into a chase, and a high side gives the food somewhere to go instead of off the edge.
What they're learning
- Scooping
- Pushing against the side of the bowl is the trick that makes loading the spoon possible.
- Two hands, two jobs
- One hand steadies, one hand scoops: the start of using both hands together.
- Spoon to mouth
- More food on the spoon means more that makes it to their mouth.
What to look for
Watch for them pushing the spoon towards the side of the bowl on their own.
A tip
A suction bowl does the same job as the damp cloth. Sit them upright and stay with them the whole time they're eating.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: hold the bowl steady with your hand as well
Harder: use a shallower bowl once they've got the push towards the side
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Everyday helper activities · Activities for 1 year olds · Activities for 18 month olds · Toddler activities with a bowl · Toddler activities with a spoon