Have you heard the debate around progressive meals? What about those "flexible transitions?"
Over the course of my journey in early childhood, I have seen different services implement a range of versious of progressive meals. Some have been effective and others chaotic and stressful.
Pros:
When all educators promote progressive meals and approach it with a positive attitude, the experience can be rewarding. Children move with familiar educaotars in small groups through the routine leading up to the meal time together. This allows more intimacy and a deeper connection with the children. For those children that arrive later in the morning, a progressive mealtime can support their needs. Those that are served the later meal, they are provided longer blocks of uninterrupted play and learning. Professive meals promote children to become more intune to their bodies. For example - if the child's stomach is grumbling, it may be an indication that they need to eat. If we say "no, you can't eat now, it's not time", we are essentially overriding the child's ability to tune in to their body.
Cons:
If the service is providing the food, educators will need to work collectively with the kitchen staff to ensure meals are brought to the room and service within the correct time and tempeture zones. The educators will also need to ensure that enough food is kept for those that come to the later groups for meals.
My experience:
When combined with flexible routines, I observe children more relaxed and in turn so are educators. One educator takes a ratio group and begins with hand washing and/or nappy changing before moving to make beds and then a little group time. By the time they sit to eat, the next group begin to transition in, starting with handwashing. When the second group are ready to eat, the first group begin to lay down on their beds.
This means that no child is distressed, waiting for a turn to eat. NOW some may say this isn't a true progressive meal, however, lets look at the word and the definition. Progression is defined at "happening or developing gradually or in stages." So in my view, this is a great way to embed progressive meals, build stronger connections with children and utilise small groups to maximise learning opportunities.
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