Food Mats- Placemats for Feeding Therapy, Food Exploration, and Picky Eaters

These food mats for picky eaters provide a simple, concrete visual that can be used during feeding therapy, food play, food exploration, or at home as a "goodbye plate." Place small pieces of a fruit or vegetable on the top line, and move them down after each action (e.g., touching or kissing each food). The placemats can be laminated for reuse.

What is included?

• Large Fruit & Veggie Food Mat (1)
• Kiss/Lick/Bite Food Mat (1 large; 4 mini mats)
• Smell/Kiss/Rocket (1 large; 4 mini mats)
• Touch/Smell/Kiss (1 large; 4 mini mats)
• Touch/Smash/Smell (1 large; 4 mini mats)
• Touch/Smell/Kiss/Lick/Bite/Chew (1 large mat)
• Large food mat (variety of foods)

Target Areas Included:

• Food exploration
• Feeding therapy

Why these food mats?

I typically use a play-based approach during feeding therapy sessions, but I was starting to feel a little stuck. Not all kids seemed to respond to those approaches (sensory play, pretend play, etc.) when it came to food. Particularly for some of my clients on the spectrum, I felt it was actually adding stress. I tried out these food mats, and it made such a huge difference for those clients who prefer concrete, predictable expectations. I was surprised that by adding something which seemed more rigid brought out many more smiles and eager engagement with the foods!

Please note, these food mats are intended for feeding therapists to use as a supplement to their practice, and users should always consider important client factors (e.g., health status, food allergies, safety, oral motor/swallowing skills, sensory needs, etc.) before using these resources or making recommendations. These food mats are not intended for compliance-based approaches. Learning Tree Resources is not responsible for the misuse or misrepresentation of this resource.