The Spoons Game

Spoon theory is often used to describe the amount of energy, both physical and mental that a person has for daily activities and tasks. There are many things that can affect the number of spoons you have to use in a day, getting enough sleep, eating properly, or what you’ve done the day before.

Disabled people often use spoon theory to explain the struggles of completing everyday tasks and why they may be able to do something one day and not another. The spoon is a metaphor and visual representation for the energy rationing that they must do to get through each day whilst also trying to complete everything they need to do.

To understand this a little better, there are three different scenarios below you can work through to help you understand spoon theory a little better and learn about rationing your spoons. Each one has a brief explanation of the person’s disability, what they may struggle with, any agreed reasonable adjustments and then the day they are facing. Your task is to decide what they are using their spoons for today, considering what they must ration to ensure they can complete tasks in the evening whilst also trying to make sure they are looking after their own wellbeing.

Play the Game