Meal time changes over 6-9 months. I am finishing up my first year as a child care provider. I have never had so much fun except when my own children were this young! Just watch and enjoy. I don’t stress out on things. I just try to simplify and create as much order as possible for the little ones. However, structure never takes place of Love and Logic.
As I read, studied and observed the children they would show me when they were ready for more tasks. I would notice we needed new arrangements and made them.
When the video starts out I did not have table and chairs. I mainly worked with the toddler, but soon the infants were soaking up everything I was teaching and modeling so the infants soon came on board with the toddler.
*It is really great to have an older child be an example for the younger ones.
-At first the focus was to stay seated at the table while eating as soon as they could sit. Also holding the utensil. If they got up during eating, I said, “Oh your done.” And took the food out of the hands and washed them and let them go on their way. They didn’t eat with utensils right away, but while holding them they formed muscle control. I figured they will use them when ready. I modeled everything daily so they knew what to do when ready.
-Then everything has a place at the table (Tablecloth with placements drawn on it)
-Then a glass was introduced with short sips of water at a time, increasing as ready.
-Now we are getting into setting and serving the table after it has been modeled for some time.
-Bussing came naturally as it was modeled they wanted to do it themselves.
-Next I am beginning to let the toddler watch me and participate in washing the dishes. When he is ready I have a little washing and drying set up for him.
-Then I suspect I will get more into food prep and then planting food. Watching it grow while we take care of it this spring.
Duration : 0:4:57
9 year old boy caught on tape beating infants at daycare