Parents will be responsible for the class snack once or twice each month. Your child will bring home the snack basket the day before you are scheduled for snack. The snack schedules will be sent home on the snack calendar at the beginning of each month. If, for any reason, you are unable to bring snack on your particular day, please to find another parent to swap dates with or talk to your teacher.
Snack is as much part of the classroom curriculum and learning experience as any other activity. Preparing the snack with your child can provide a wonderful learning experience as well as a special time of sharing. The decisions for what to serve can be a mutual adventure for both you and your child. Planning and shopping together provides numerous opportunities for discussion about food. You may also want to consider sending ingredients for simple snacks, which allows the children the opportunity to assemble and prepare the snack themselves.
Snack in our classrooms are a time of nourishment of several kinds. It is a time we share in the community of being together. We practice the grace and courtesy of thoughtfulness and hospitality in the preparation and presentation of our food.
The children take great pride on each occasion when it is their turn to “do snack.” It is a time of building self-esteem and empowerment. Each child approaches its role with great delight. In group snack, the child not only passes the snack but chooses their own helpers, is responsible for decisions regarding who is actually “ready” to receive snack, and leads us in our snack verse. For individual snack, the child helps with the presentation and after announcing that it is ready, chooses a friend to begin. Being a part of the “tidying-up” is an important part of the process for the child as well!
A list of suggested snacks will be kept in the snack basket. We suggest that you choose foods from at least two different food groups. Food that us wholesome, relatively sugar-free and non-processed is encouraged so that good nutritional habits can be reinforced. Also, keep in mind that this just a snack—young children eat very small portions.
A word of caution, please do NOT send nuts, popcorn, celery (unless strings are removed) or carrots (unless they have been cut into thin slices). These items are especially hazardous to young children as they are easily aspirated and are a frequent source of choking. Please bring a jug of water also.
Suggestions for Nut and Tree Nut Free Snacks
- Sandwiches – quartered
- Cheese and fresh fruits or vegetables
- Various types of crackers and cheese or spreads
- Rice cakes with spreads
- Vegetables or fruits with dip
- Applesauce, Gogurt, Drinkable Yogurt
- Pretzels, Pirate Booty, Veggie Sticks