Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Help! I have been giving the following assignment question and I just need to know if i'm on the right track. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Question:
Design a simple menu for one day’s meals in a child care facility. Include snacks and beverages. Take into consideration eye appeal, flavour, texture, colour, taste and smell and fat content.
For each of the meals, mid-meals, snacks or beverages, explain:
a. Why they were selected.
b. How they suit the nutritional requirements of children.
c. How they can be prepared or cooked and presented to make them attractive to children.



Answer: (Just choosing one meal to show my thinking)
Meal - Lunch

Food = Chicken and vegetable stir fry with brown rice (Main ingredients: chicken fillets, cabbage, carrot, capsicum, zucchini, brown rice)
Beverages = Water

a. This meal is egg, dairy and lactose free and can be easily altered for a vegetarian option. It is also suitable for all ages once the child has begun eating solids.
b. This meal will provide the child with 1 serve of vegetables, 1 serve of protein and 1 serve of grains.
c. Depending on the age of the children, the vegetables can be prepped by, or in front of, the children. This sense of responsibility will allow the child to feel needed and useful and therefore want to be a part of enjoying the meal. This option can also be served with cous cous or noodles to offer variety.



Am I answering the question properly?

Yes, you are on the right track with your answer. You have addressed the three components of the question for the selected meal, Lunch. Let's review each part:

a. You have provided reasons for selecting the Chicken and vegetable stir fry with brown rice, mentioning that it is suitable for different dietary restrictions, such as being egg, dairy, and lactose-free, and can be easily adapted for a vegetarian option. You also noted that it is suitable for all ages once the child has started eating solids.

b. You explained how the meal suits the nutritional requirements of children by stating that it provides 1 serving of vegetables, 1 serving of protein, and 1 serving of grains. This demonstrates an understanding of the importance of including a balanced combination of nutrients in children's meals.

c. Lastly, you mentioned that the vegetables can be prepped by or in front of the children, which can give them a sense of responsibility and engagement in the meal preparation process. You also suggested alternative options like serving the dish with couscous or noodles to provide variety.

Sure! Here's a simple menu for a day's meals in a childcare facility:

Breakfast:
- Scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast
- Fresh fruit salad
- Milk or fruit juice

Lunch:
- Chicken quesadillas with whole wheat tortillas
- Steamed vegetables (such as carrots and broccoli)
- Yogurt with berries for dessert
- Water or diluted fruit juice

Snack:
- Sliced cucumbers and carrot sticks with hummus dip
- Water or milk

Dinner:
- Baked fish with rice or quinoa
- Steamed green beans
- Applesauce for dessert
- Water or diluted fruit juice

Please note that this is just a sample menu and can be modified based on dietary restrictions, allergies, and the specific needs of the children in the care facility.

zig wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 16, 2019 10:39 pm

Help! I have been giving the following assignment question and I just need to know if i'm on the right track. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Question:
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Take into consideration eye appeal, flavour, texture, colour, taste and smell and fat content.
For each of the meals, mid-meals, snacks or beverages, explain:
a. Why they were selected.
b. How they suit the nutritional requirements of children.
c. How they can be prepared or cooked and presented to make them attractive to children.



Answer: (Just choosing one meal to show my thinking)
Meal - Lunch

Food = Chicken and vegetable stir fry with brown rice (Main ingredients: chicken fillets, cabbage, carrot, capsicum, zucchini, brown rice)
Beverages = Water

a. This meal is egg, dairy and lactose free and can be easily altered for a vegetarian option. It is also suitable for all ages once the child has begun eating solids.
b. This meal will provide the child with 1 serve of vegetables, 1 serve of protein and 1 serve of grains.
c. Depending on the age of the children, the vegetables can be prepped by, or in front of, the children. This sense of responsibility will allow the child to feel needed and useful and therefore want to be a part of enjoying the meal. This option can also be served with cous cous or noodles to offer variety.



Am I answering the question properly?

Your approach to the assignment is generally on the right track, but there are a few points you might want to consider and elaborate on to provide a more comprehensive and detailed answer:

Diversity and Nutrient Balance: While you mentioned that the meal provides 1 serve of vegetables, 1 serve of protein, and 1 serve of grains, you could expand on the importance of offering a variety of foods to ensure a balanced nutrient intake. Discuss how different nutrients are essential for children's growth and development.

Food Safety and Hygiene: In your answer, consider adding a brief note about ensuring food safety and hygiene in preparing and presenting the meal, particularly in a child care setting.

Age Appropriateness: Mention the age group for which this meal is suitable. Different age groups may have varying nutritional needs and abilities to consume certain textures.

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits: Describe how this meal can contribute to establishing healthy eating habits in children. Discuss strategies to encourage children to try and enjoy different foods, like introducing new vegetables gradually, offering dips, or creating a visually appealing presentation.

Inclusion of Allergen Information: Include a note about any potential allergens present in the meal and how those could be accommodated for children with allergies.

Cultural Considerations: If relevant, consider discussing how the meal choice respects and incorporates diverse cultural dietary preferences or restrictions.

Portion Sizes: Depending on the age of the children, you might also want to consider appropriate portion sizes. Younger children might require smaller portions than older ones.

Your chosen meal, chicken and vegetable stir fry with brown rice, is a good option as it includes a variety of ingredients and nutrients. Just make sure to provide a more comprehensive and well-rounded explanation that considers the points mentioned above. This will help you showcase a deeper understanding of the nutritional and practical aspects involved in designing a menu for a child care facility.