Mealtime Tips for Early Childhood Students

Our early childhood program emphasizes independence. Mealtimes are a big part of this learning process. We get many questions about lunches during the first few weeks of school, so here are answers to the most common questions we receive from the community.

 

The only thing that you need to pack in your child's lunch is food. Dishes, glasses, utensils, and napkins are provided in each classroom. At lunch, all of the students place their lunchboxes on the floor and their food onto plates. Food sent in squeeze bottles or drinkable tubes are emptied into bowls so that children are given every opportunity to practice feeding themselves with utensils.

 

Please pack food in small reusable containers. Try to match the size of containers to the size of your child's palm. You can find these at larger chain stores or online.

 

Containers with pull-off lids are challenging. Without a large lip or tab, children are rarely successful. Lunchblox containers, by Rubbermaid, are some of the most difficult. Containers with twist-off lids such as Rubbermaid's TakeAlongs and Ziploc's Twist n Loc are the easiest for children.

 

Try and pack from each food group daily. Lunches don't have to be traditional to be satisfying and nutritious. Break that sandwich into components if it's more appetizing for your child. Here are some foods you may not have considered:

• Proteins: Pumpkin seeds, soy beans (roasted or raw), Greek yogurt, lentil chips, hummus, hard-boiled egg
• Whole Grains: Popcorn, tortillas or tortilla chips, multi-grain crackers
• Vegetables: Terra chips, Snapea Crisps, dried green beans
• Fruits: Banana or apple chips, freeze-dried berries (for those kids who demand some crunch)