Making fruit skewers is a quick and easy summertime food preparation activity for toddlers.
Although it looks quite easy this is quite a complex task for toddlers. Firstly, they need to hold the fruit firmly but not so tight that it squishes. Then they have to aim the skewer at the middle of the fruit. They also have to control the skewer so that it stays straight and they need to recognise when to stop pushing it through. At the same time, they have to make sure they are holding the fruit in such a way that the skewer doesn’t poke into the palm of the opposite hand. It is harder than you would think!
I sat down to demonstrate this activity to Henry when he was almost two. He was all jittery from excitement and could hardly wait for me to finish showing him what to do.
Holding the bottom of the skewer I demonstrated carefully threading the fruit on. Paying attention to getting the skewer in the middle of the fruit and stopping once the fruit was at the end.
The first time we did this activity, Henry just put one piece of fruit on each stick. Totally ok. The next time he was threading only one type of fruit on each stick. Also perfectly fine. After doing the activity a few times, he was threading several pieces of each fruit on each stick. Success.
Just like most toddlers, Henry wanted to eat straight away. It takes a little time for toddlers to get used to the routine of preparing the snack, tidying up, setting the table, and sitting down to eat but with a little practice, it becomes routine.
Notes on Materials
The best fruit is firm enough to hold its shape in toddler’s hands but soft enough to stick the skewer through. Rockmelon and grapes work well. I find apple a little hard and watermelon too soft.
Cocktail Skewers with a flat end on them prevent the fruit from being threaded all the way off the skewer. The end also provides a visual cue to know when to stop.