Using knife and fork

[Floradoras]

My daughter is in year one now. School dinners are starting again. I've just ordered her jacket potatoes and things for her lunch. She had them last year and would come home with a face covered in beans.

I'm trying to get her to use a knife and she is struggling still. Is this still acceptable at 5? I still cut meat and things up for her.

I'm just worried she will be the only one who can't cut up a jacket potato yet.

What do you think?

[Littlescottiedog]

Former Reception teacher here. I used to spend a good portion of my lunch hour helping children cut up jacket potatoes and other things! Not just from Reception, either, but Years 1 and 2 as well. It's just part of the job, some children at those ages manage a bit better than others. I wouldn't worry, just check she's holding them best for ease of use (so not like holding a pen, but with the back of the hands to the ceiling, iyswim, called a palm grip when talking about pencil holds).

[Littlescottiedog]

(Well, hand on top palm grip! It's been a few years!)

[Floradoras]

Thank you! I will keep her practising. I just never thought about it..but now she's with year 2s aswel I don't want her to look silly if she can't do it. Thank you! I bet there will be good flying everywhere lol

[LillyBugg]

I have a September born year 1 and he can't use a knife at all. And he's so bloody hungry all the time it's stressful working on it at meal times. I figure it will come eventually.