May: Lunchtime Success Skills

There is a lot to consider when thinking about lunchtime in kindergarten. Did you know your child will have about 30 minutes to eat lunch and 30 minutes of recess each day? Some schools do recess before lunch and others lunch before recess; check in with your child’s teacher to learn how it is done in your school!

What to expect with kindergarten lunchtime

• Talk to your child about remembering to eat during lunch time as it is easy to get distracted sitting and visiting with so many friends!

• Packing lunch from home

  • Have them help with making their own lunch and then increase their independence as they gain confidence in completing it.

  • Prepare lunches that are easy to eat quickly (ex: sandwiches)

  • Start with smaller portions

• School provided lunch

  • Check with your school, as some schools have all students qualifying for free lunch

  • If your school does not already provide free lunch, you can apply for free or reduced cost lunch at schoolcafe.com/anchorage

    Strategies to help with transitions

• Practice having them independently open their snack packages at home

  • Praise them for trying

  • Increase the steps they are doing as they become successful

  • Let them try, and offer support if they become frustrated

• Practice setting a timer for 30 minutes for them to eat and clean up

• When meeting their teacher, find out if they will be eating in the classroom

  • Prepare your child by letting them know that it may be louder and busier, with many students eating together

  • Remind them to eat, even if they also want to spend time visiting with friends

When going through large transitions such as starting school, appetites can be inconsistent for a little while. Once they get used to their routine, this should level out. If you have concerns, check in with the teacher or school nurse to gain their perception and observations. Talk with your child about what they liked at lunch and who they sat with to encourage them to share about their school day.

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