Preschool Snack Time

Every year when it's time to set up our classroom for the students, we look at areas that worked well and areas that need some improvement. One of the routines that works well for us (and just needed a little facelift) is our Snack Time routine. The primary goal is independence! We work on teaching the children to do things for themselves, as they are able. They love being "big kids", and we find that our snack time runs much smoother with these 4 things in place.

1. Make a snack chart or poster.

Before this was hanging in our room, I answered the question of, "What's for snack?" a dozen times every day. Now we include reading it as part of our morning routine. It's great for practicing Concept of Word! Then the students can refer to it any time they wonder what's for snack.

This is how we read it each morning. (I've updated the chart a little bit since this video was taken!)

2. Set them up to be INDEPENDENT.

If we want our preschoolers to be independent, we have to make sure that they tools they need are within reach. These drawers are in our snack area hold all of the cups, bowls, plates, napkins and utensils that the snack helpers need to set the tables. When it's their turn, the helpers count out 10 of each and place them on the table. Math at snack time!

We also teach our students to pour their own drinks. I got these little "Pint Pitchers" at Walmart in the kitchen aisle, next to the measuring cups. I think they were $1 each. Amazon doesn't seem to sell them, so no link, but I see them at Walmart all the time.

3. Establish a simple routine for BEFORE and AFTER they eat. 

In our class the students wait until everyone is seated. We are not a religious program, so instead of a prayer we ask the students to put their hands in their laps (to avoid grabbing at the food, and to be polite) and we say together:

When they are finished, they ask to be excused. They put their cups in the dirty dish bucket and their napkins in the trash, and return to centers.

Adorable clipart from Whimsy Clips.

4. Make sure you have a SPILL STATION.

They are preschoolers. Some of them have never had to drink out of an open cup before. They still have sippy cups at home! Some of them get really excited about eating at a table with their friends. They are going to wave their hands and jump around and SPILL the drinks. No worries! This is just another learning experience and a chance to practice independence. (Super Gemma and I play little games sometimes to see which of our snack tables has the most spills in a week, just to keep us smiling!)

We have to teach our preschoolers what to do when there is a spill, because most of them just sit there and stare blankly at us, waiting for someone to come to their rescue! So, we teach them where to get the supplies, how to wipe it up, and where to put the wet towels. Then they go back to the drawers and get a new dry napkin for themselves and start again!

These 4 steps work really well for us, and I'd love to hear about routines that help your students and help you maintain your sanity with preschoolers!

Here are affiliate links to some of the products that we use and love at snack time:

The snack chart that we use is available for download HERE: