It is easier for children to learn to eat at school than at home. Know the reasons.
The feeding of children, when they enter kindergarten, is one of the issues that most parents are most concerned about. We want them to eat properly, to acquire good habits, to eat everything and, if possible, to do it with good manners. Therefore, when they begin to eat in the nursery, many doubts come to us: will they be aware of it? Will the food be of good quality? What will he do at school with no one watching him?
Age guidelines
In the nursery, specific guidelines are followed that obey the characteristics and needs of its evolutionary moment.
Babies: while the educator gives the bottle to a child, her attention is focused exclusively on him to make that moment something pleasant for the child.
Around the year: they sit at the table in a group and begin to try solid but soft foods, the children are already able to chew. They love to eat alone, without the help of educators, and although much of the food must be given, they are allowed to explore it, take it with their hands, and from this moment they are taught to use the spoon.
At two years: at this age, the children already use the spoon and fork quite well, although the educator has to help them every two by three. In addition, they like to collaborate in the tasks of the dining room.
At three years old: they already eat alone, with a spoon and fork, clean themselves with the napkin, help to set and remove the table. They learn all this as a game and that is why they love to participate.
Learning
In the school canteen, the children also learn various concepts that are not directly related to food.
Textures. Kibble is not the same as a piece of steak or a tablespoon of puree. And not only for the flavor but above all for the consistency.
Quantity. While serving them, the educator works various concepts: a lot-little, more-less, hot-cold.
Colors. In a practical way, the different food groups offer the entire color range: the white of the milk, the yellow of the egg yolk, the red of the tomato, the green of the peas, the orange of the carrot, etc.
Flavors. Seeing how the other children eat carrots or pumpkins, they will be encouraged to try new foods and not be so arbitrary with their refusals.
Shapes. They learn them with food as a model: the orange is round, the triangular or square cheeses, the elongated spaghetti, etc.
Utensils. Eating alone is an adventure. The task is complicated since you have to learn how to handle food utensils: cutlery, glasses, jugs, napkins… But the counterpart is great: it helps them feel great.