Turning Mealtime Into Learning Time
Anytime is a great time for a learning opportunity, but meal time is a particularly good time because it gives children the chance to work on their self help skills. Mealtimes are ideal for modeling manners and for serving up some learning. Slow down so you and your children can dictate the length of mealtimes and enjoy talking and learning together. Wendy Mendola is the executive director of The Tot Spot Child Care Centers in Wayne County New York.
The learning opportunities at mealtime can include using manners, gaining independence staying healthy, taking part in conversations, practicing fine and gross motor skills, and building math skills. Manners that can be learned during mealtimes include chewing with a closed mouth, saying please, thank you, your welcome, and excuse me, ask for and pass food politely, Pick up food with chopsticks, a spoon, or a fork,cut food using a fork and knife, keep elbows off the table, and sit in a chair while eating at a table. Gaining independence at mealtime can include serving themselves and pouring drinks, discussing feelings, experiences and plans, making good choices about healthy foods and drinks, trying foods they have never tried before, enjoying the meal time routine, distinguish left from right, experiencing foods from different cultures, do things for themselves with a teacher's guidance. Staying healthy at mealtimes can include wiping the table with a damp paper towel before and after eating, wash hands before and after eating, cough or sneeze into an elbow, throw away food that falls onto the floor, place dirty utensils, cups, and plates in the sink or dishpan, use serving spoons for serving, not for eating, wipe hands and face with napkins, take small bites and chew completely before swallowing, and eating and drinking nutritious foods. Taking part in conversations can include establishing eye contact, using indoor voices, swallow before speaking, engaging in small talk, listening while others are talking, name and discuss foods and food groups, discussing likes and dislikes, and following directions and requests. Practicing fine and gross motor skills can include turning on the water faucet, pump soap, and dry hands with a paper towel, setting the table with plates, silverware, and cups, folding napkins, pour liquids with minimum spillage, wipe up spills with a paper towel or sponge, cut food with a knife, serving themselves using a large spoon, tongs, or a spatula, using thumb and pincer fingers to pick up finger foods, and passing a bowl or pitcher of milk from one person to another. Building math skills during meal time can include counting how many children are in the room, and apply one-to-one correspondence as they set the table with one plate, cup, and napkin for each child.
