Mealtime Reflections

What does a toddler mealtime look like?

Toddlers can and should be a part of mealtime set up. Many teachers want/need to control everything which halts the child’s learning opportunities.

Some ideas and mealtime truths.

Children can help to wash the table before mealtime. They can put chairs around the table and “set” the table before the meal. Allow them to get into their chairs and sit.

One teacher should sing and do a finger play while the other serves the food. Mealtime should be quiet but not silent. Children should choose what they want to eat. Teachers should allow the children to choose their own food. Young children can do things themselves, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be spills. Young children need to be able to make mistakes as they improve their skills.

Teachers need to sit with the children as they are eating and children should clean up after the meal is over.

What do you think children are capable of at mealtime?