Posts 2-How do you use tongs?

How do you use tongs?

21.4.11

Today at afternoon tea time the children were using tongs to pick up their cut fruit pieces. There are eight children seated at each table.   As a child picks a fruit he or she then passes the plate to the child next to him or her and then places the tongs on top of the plate. I noticed some of the children are still learning how to control the tongs as the tongs can be a difficult task.

"D" is a 4 year old boy who had just started a few weeks ago and is still learning how to use the tongs. I observed “D” him for a little while he picked up the tongs from the table and held it in his right hand. He then tried to squeeze the tongs together and when it would not press together.  He looked at the end of the tongs and pushed down the metal piece with his other hand.  This is a small metal piece used to hold the tongs together.

When “D” was unable to pick up the fruit he tried once again.  I prompted him saying “That’s it D keep trying” and as D picked up the tongs, he tried to squeeze the handle but the tongs would not squeeze together.  He then looked at the end of the tongs and lifted the tongs so as the part that opened pointed towards the ceiling.  When the metal piece was released, then “D” squeezed the tongs together and was able to pick up the fruit. Great work ”D” you were determined to master using the tongs and you were patient too.

D was learning to pick up the fruit as in Te Whariki, Exploration as stated “Children are encouraged to use trial and error to find solutions to their problems and to use previous experience as a basis for trying out alternative strategies” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.89).  

It is important for children to have self help skills as related self-help skills in eating is encouraged (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.49). Our centre has purchased several tongs for children so that they are able to serve themselves using the tongs.  This way they become more independent and value themselves as capable and competent learners.

Technology is a learning experience for children and the children experience different opportunities.

We will continue using tongs for our children to develop self help skills and be able to use the tongs more freely.

Next time we could let our children serve themselves from their platters.  During lunchtime when the children eat their meals such as fish pie, spaghetti and sausages. Also the children could pour their own water.

References

Ministry of Education. (1996).Te Whariki, he whaariki, he matauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.