I realize that some parents would like to know, in advance, what we are serving at snack time; but having a snack menu is something we are unable to do at this time.
We strive to ensure all children eat health snacks consisting of 1 serving grain, 1 serving fruit/veggie and 1 serving dairy. We also do our best to ensure that those with food allergies can be apart of our program. We also do our best to present a wide variety of items for children to try.
We have 'snack time rules' that our children must follow, and we feel these support many of the virtues we are striving to teach our children.
- We have our children wash their hands and face prior to eating.
- We have our children wait until all are served snack, before we begin eating.
- We have our children remain sitting at the table while they are eating and drink, as this helps with health and safety issues (not choking while eating and walking around). It also keeps our toys from getting excessively dirty with food particles from sticky fingers.
- We encourage children to try all the foods served, and eating everything they ask for. This gives children courage to try new things, and helps to reduce waste.
- We have our children stay at the table when they are finished eating, and wait for those still eating; by doing this, we are encouraging respect and patience (waiting for others to be done), friendliness (by visiting with those still eating); and co-operation (because when everyone is done, we all work together to clean up).
- When all snacks are finished, we work together to throw garbage in the trash, push in chairs, wash the tables, and tidy up the floor.
- Then we have our children wash their hands and face again.
It is amazing how often we see children eating foods 'they don't like', because others around them are eating it. By not commenting or drawing attention to it, children are often also surprised, and will more than likely eat that food again.
