Food for [Montessori] Thought

Food plays a significant role in Montessori. Learning about foods (it’s a big part of the language area), growing food in our garden (where and when it is possible), and preparing food (cutting an apple, peeling an egg) are all part of the daily toddler routine. You may even see toddlers baking—or helping to prepare dishes for special events in our classroom!

During meals and snack times, we practice essential skills:

• Toddlers set the table. We have placemats that indicate where plates, cups, forks, and spoons are to be placed. They carefully handle the breakable dishes, carrying one at a time and gently setting them down on the table.

• They eat together, all seated around the table. They serve themselves or each other, using tongs to pick up food and pouring water into their cups from small pitchers. 

• They clean up. This is often a favorite part! They use crumbers to get crumbs off the table, sweep floors with child-size brooms, and use sponges and towels to clean the table when there are spills. They may even give dishes a first wash (although we follow up with a sanitizing run in the dishwasher!) With proper support and coaching, our toddlers are pretty independent in running their family-style snack routine by age three. It’s quite a sight to behold!

• Children eat what the family eats. Don’t habitually cook separate meals of child food (hot dogs, mac & cheese). Most children take several tries to warm up to a new food. Encourage them to try each meal one time over several occasions. Children who eat only a few favorites aren’t necessarily picky eaters: they’re probably just going through a phase. Keep offering new foods from what you serve the entire family.

• Food gets eaten sitting down, family style. Family meals are meaningful (research suggests they significantly indicate future thriving!). With practice, toddlers can sit through a meal. Then, they can feed themselves—finger foods first, then use utensils.

• Meal times are screen-free times. Parents and children benefit from being focused on the experience—the taste, the smell, the texture, and the conversations. Protect this time of connection by consistently turning off all screens so you can enjoy each other’s company

-Cricket Teacher