Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Posted: **Thu Dec 10, 2015 5:41 pm**

Hi,

I don't know if I am in the right track or not can someone help please:

the question:
Come up with a plan for mealtimes (set up, rules, how you engage with children, clean-up, etc.) Include in your plan how each step ensures mealtimes are relaxed and enjoyable.

so far my answer is:
- Allow about have an hour for setting the tables, so that children can help. To avoid rushing and creating stressful atmosphere
- Give children many opportunities to help set and clear the table and to serve their own meals.
- Talk with the children as they set the table, such as, counting the numbers of plates,or the colours.
- give the children to choose from the food but try not overwhelm them .
- no pressure for introducing new food.
- introduce simple songs to help children identify new food.
- talk with children about the food they are eating. and take time for general conversation and catching up with children.
- involve children in setting some simple rules for health at mealtimes.

can any one tell if I am right or wrong

thanks

Posted: **Sat Dec 12, 2015 5:38 am**

Ok you're on the right track with your response... Just a thought...

Setting the table for an hour is alot of time then you need to take into consideration the children eating which is 45 minutes to an hour as well as cleaning up. So, if you spend an hour setting up etc. it could take up to 2 hours and that's pretty long. With setting up, not all children will be able to do everything at a time. If you have 20 children in the room it would be hard to get children to set up all at once. What you could do is select a few children at a time to do various tasks... Also, when setting up the table make it appealing, add flowers as centre pieces, use table cloths, you could also add some nice cups for water to the table, instead of placing a fork or spoon for each plate have these in the middle of the table in nice containers that the children can decide what they would like to use while they eat, . Some children may even want to use their hands which is absolutely fine as well! After children wash their hands from the bathroom get them to line up before sitting down and they can collect their plate and then they can choose to sit where they want. When children are sitting down you could bring in the food in serving dishes to be placed in the middle of the table and encourage the children to serve themselves. Talk to them about what they are eating, what they eat at home, what they have enjoyed doing so far etc. As they finish, get children to take their plates to an 'area" set up for them. Scraps in a bin, cups in a bucket and plates in another bucket, wash hands then quietly go read a book until everyone has finished etc.

Hope this gives you some ideas,

,
Lorina

Posted: **Sat Dec 12, 2015 8:16 am**

Many Thanks Lorina, it helps a lot

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2015 6:14 am**

You're welcome!

,
Lorina

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