Preliminary Movements

Spooning
Materials Tray
2 small low bowls, identical
Grain such as lentils, small beans or rice
Small, well-balanced spoon

Purposes Visual Motor Development

Fine Motor Development
Preliminary Movement

Age 2.5 to 3.5

Presentation
1. Invite the child to the spooning activity saying something like,
"Would you like to try spooning today? Let's see how we can
use this spoon and these bowls."

2. Walk with child to materials and move them neatly from a low
shelf to a work table using a tray.

3. Show the child how to hold the spoon properly, demonstrating

a gentle grasp between the thumb and index finger.

4. Take the spoon and scoop up some grains from one bowl, then
transfer them to the other bowl.

5. Emphasize the controlled movement and encourage the child

to observe closely, and try their best not to spill onto the tray.

6. Offer the child the opportunity to spoon the grains from one
bowl to the other. Allow them to explore and practice
independently while offering gentle guidance and support as
needed.

7. Once the child has finished spooning, guide them in cleaning

up the materials and returning them to their designated places.

Variations:

 Encourage the child to experiment with different spoonful

sizes, from heaping spoonfuls to small, controlled ones.
 Count the spoonfuls together, promoting numerical awareness
and concentration.
 Preliminary Movements
Carrying a Chair

 Challenge the child to spoon without spilling, fostering

concentration and precision.
 Demonstrate how to spoon away from oneself using a larger
spoon, promoting practical life skills and cleanliness.
 Introduce measuring spoons for additional exploration and
learning opportunities.

Points of Interest 1. Developing hand-eye coordination through spooning.

2. Practicing control and precision in movement.
3. Exploring mathematical concepts such as counting and
measurement.

Following Exercises 1. Invite the child to take heaping spoonfuls.

2. Invite the child to take little spoonfuls.
3. Count how many spoonfuls there are.
4. Count how many spoonfuls without spilling.
5. Show how to spoon away from you with a soup spoon. (so you
don’t slop it on your clothes.
6. Use measuring spoons.

Pedagogical Notes  The child should have been presented carrying a tray with
something on it and how to place a tray with something on it
on the table (by putting on the side of the table and sliding
across, so you are not lifting it over the chair) before having
this exercise.
 Extensions could go on the special interest table.
 Use a grain that won’t bounce (not popcorn)
 The spoon is placed in the middle of the tray, because they can
pick up either way.
 To find a balanced spoon, put your finger under the throat and
see if the bowl and the handle can balance. (handle, bowl,
throat)