Objective

By the end of this lesson, Nora will be able to feed herself independently and confidently using utensils, while also practicing good table manners.

Materials and Prep

• Small plate or bowl
• Spoon and fork
• Food items (e.g., small pieces of fruit, cooked pasta, or soft vegetables)
• A clean napkin
• A comfortable chair at the table

Before the lesson, make sure the eating area is safe and clean. Choose food items that are easy for Nora to pick up and eat on her own.

Activities

• Food Exploration:

  Start by letting Nora explore the different food items with her hands. Encourage her to touch, smell, and describe what she sees. Ask questions like, "What color is this?" or "How does this feel?"

• Spoon and Fork Practice:

  Show Nora how to hold a spoon and fork properly. Let her practice scooping food with the spoon and picking up pieces with the fork. You can make it a game by counting how many pieces she can pick up!

• Setting the Table:

  Involve Nora in setting the table. Let her place her plate, utensils, and napkin. This helps her take ownership of her mealtime and understand the importance of a tidy eating area.

• Mealtime Role Play:

  Engage in a fun role-play where you pretend to be at a restaurant. Nora can order her food and practice using her utensils while pretending to be a waiter or a customer!

Talking Points

• "Look at all these yummy foods! Can you tell me what you see?"
• "Let's practice using our spoon! Can you scoop up some food? Great job!"
• "Remember to keep our napkin on our lap. It helps keep us clean!"
• "When we eat, we can talk and have fun, just like at a restaurant! What would you like to order?"