We’re thrilled to share that all the children in the Young Children’s House are now on a normal schedule together! Both the returning and new toddlers are learning to be part of their new community. You can imagine the excitement and movement as the children’s curiosity leads them to explore new materials, experiences, and friendships. We are establishing routines and guiding the children as they learn how to BE in this new environment. There is so much happening, and the children's eagerness to explore and engage is wonderful to witness.
Though there are many exciting things occurring, I’d like to highlight one special routine that we are sharing together – our communal meal. This week marks the first time all the children are partaking in our communal meal! This provides a great opportunity for them to connect with each other, have conversations, and enjoy some nourishment together. The children are eager to consume what’s on the table and it’s a delightful time for all. Food is a powerful motivator for many children, and sharing a meal together is a wonderful way for them to build relationships.
We are guiding the children on how to set the table and help prepare the food for the communal meal. So far with food preparations, they’ve helped by slicing apples, peeling the clementines, and separating the clementine segments. They will continue to learn more each day as we vary the menu items.
The children are also learning to recognize our special song, “Come to the Feast,” which signals the start of our communal meal. When they hear the song, they gather around the table, stand behind their chairs, and sing our traditional grace. Our traditional grace that we sing was composed by Mr. Garvey, one of our toddler’s grandfather. Afterward, the children carefully pull their chairs out and take their seats. Each child serves themselves using tongs or a serving spoon from the serving dish, which they are mastering at their own pace. Some children quickly pick up the food, while others are focusing intently on this new skill. We gently guide them through the process, reminding them to place the food on their plate first instead of directly in their mouths.
In addition to the communal meal, the children are learning grace and courtesy while expanding their language – new and rich language and nomenclature. We continue to guide them in setting up their spots with the appropriate table settings, and soon we will introduce more food preparation activities, including the beloved daily breadmaking! We can’t wait!
PARENT TIP: For those introducing new foods at home, remember that children aged 12 months to 3 years are in a prime period for trying new things. It may take up to 20-30 exposures to a new food for their taste buds to recognize it, so be persistent and keep offering new foods, even if you get a poor response at first.