Providing
healthy and nutrition meals for the children in our schools is important to us!
Breakfast, morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Water is always
available for the children throughout the day. We also offer a school catered
lunch option for an additional fee.
Our
nutritious and tasty snacks include:
- A
large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole
grain breads, crackers, muffins, etc.
- Organic
products (when available)
We never serve
anything that would be considered:
- sugary
- artificial
If you chose to order the school catered
lunch the following is included:
- Entree (3-4
options daily to select from)
- Milk
- Fresh Fruit
In the Montessori
classroom we place our focus on the development of the "whole child".
In order for children to have the energy and focus they need to learn and grow
they must be provided with a nutritious diet and plenty of adequate physical
activity. Having a proper diet and plenty of exercise plays a huge role in the
physical, emotional and mental health of the child.
Along with providing
the children with nutritional snacks also comes the experience they gain from
trying new foods and preparing snacks independently. Through this we are
encouraging the development of a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. We take
great pride in not only providing the children with healthy snacks but also
educating the children about where food comes from, the importance of limiting
food waste and also how to respect their body by making healthy choices when
selecting their food. By introducing the children to new and healthy food
options at an early age, we are also are excited to prepare the child to make
healthy eating choices, not just for now but for a lifetime.
The education part of
our nutrition program takes place throughout our entire day with the children.
In the morning and afternoon work periods the children enjoy snack preparation;
they learn how to peel carrots and wash and cut fresh fruits and vegetables.
During our cultural circle we have group discussions about exploring new foods
and healthy food options. We also play fun and interactive group games, sing
songs and provide Montessori jobs relating to the nutrition lessons for the
children to use throughout the day. The more a child is exposed to a new food,
the more likeable that food becomes to a child. The more "fun" they
have learning about the food also reflects in the Childs willingness to try new
foods. Another huge part in encouraging the children to make healthy choices is
having the Teacher's as role models as well. By allowing the teachers to enjoy
their very own healthy lunch and snacks with the children the concept of
healthy eating is reinforced.
The
physical development of the child is continuous throughout the day. Through
movement circle, large motor activities, gardening and outdoor play the
children are constantly engaged in physical activity. Many of the activities in
the classroom allow the children to use their whole body which helps to develop
their large motor skills along with teaching a concept such as "large vs.
small" or "long vs. short". By using movement in the classroom
children are also more apt to leaning these concepts through muscle memory.
This is very different from a "Traditional" preschool environment
where the children are generally confined to a chair and desk for the majority
of the day.
"Children First, Always"