During the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the Montessori practical life activities were changed to accomodate hygiene standards and to maintain physical distance. Now that the world is returning to many of the pre- COVID practices, we have also restored practical life activities. Practical life has several sub areas and one of these is ‘care of self’. When children are learning to care for themselves in an age appropriate way, they are also learning a new independence.
A 'care of self' activity that we have extended, is preparing snacks for oneself. The community and psychological aspect of eating together has always remained, however, we are now supporting children to prepare their fruit snack for themself. This is of course after a presentation on how to do so, and adults ready to step in if needed by the child. We have been learning to use the apple cutter and child safe knives for cutting fruit and vegetables. The children are enjoying this way of preparing their morning and afternoon tea, and are excited to demonstrate their independence.
If you would like to help your child to prepare snacks at home, like school, the following child size tools are useful.
A child sized cutting knife such as the ‘KiddiKutter’ is great for children learning to cut soft and hard foods. The child must use a sawing action to cut and this is what makes the knife safer, in that it won’t cut their hand.
A peeler such as this safety food peeler is great for removing the skin from fruits and vegetables. It is child size and does not have a steel blade to cut little hands.
A small wooden cutting board can be found in many places. It is extra helpful if the underside of the board is non slip. However, a piece of non slip draw liner placed underneath can also help with this.
Lastly, a table or small bench space that is height appropriate for children is important to support them to prepare their food. You can also have a child safe step stool so that they can reach the sink to wash up or you can create a special child friendly set up with two small plastic tubs of water and detergent for washing up after preparing their snack.
Comments