Providing Progressive Mealtimes To Toddlers

[lisa51]

Hi, I can't seem to think of another way to add to my answer

You have recently commenced work in the two to three-year-old room at an early childhood education and care service. This service provides progressive meal times so that children can choose to eat when they are hungry, rather than according to a timetable. As part of this mealtime procedure, educators simply place food on a table and move away from the area. Children approach the table at their own leisure when they notice the snack or meal has been served. However you notice at times, not all children eat throughout the day, and they are not encouraged to eat by the educators.
You also notice during mealtimes educators stand to one side discussing personal matters until the children have finished eating. Yesterday, a two-year-old choked on a piece of meat and you were the only educator in the room who noticed.


Q4. Outline two ways that you could include the children in the creation of a new transition within their daily routine.
Two ways to included children in the transition within their daily routine are

• Talk about the food available on the day,

What else could I add?
Thanks
Lisa

[Lorina]

- You can gather the children together before each meal time and explain what types of food is available... "This morning for morning tea we have a fruit platter with oranges, pears, bananas and grapes. There are also mini cucumber, tomato and cheese sandwiches." Then you could ask each child what types of food they like, who is ready to go and eat etc. Then they go to the bathroom wash their hands for their meal. Explaining to the children the types of food available will get them interested and hungry to go and eat.

- You can play a specific song during meal times to indicate to the children that its time to eat. As the song finishes the meal time is over. Since meal time could take up to 45 minutes it's probably best to get a classical piece, nature sounds, soothing music etc.

Just a couple of ideas I wanted to share,

,
Lorina

[lisa51]

Thank you soo much!

[Lorina]

You're welcome!

,
Lorina