Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Montessori Schools of Silicon Valley Focus on Nutrition

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
SV Montessori Menu

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.
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"Children First, Always"

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