Food, Glorious Food! One of the many Highlights of our Early Childhood Program

In a world where rushed eating and convenience foods are the norm, the Waldorf Early Childhood food experience offers something really valuable- an opportunity for children to slow down, engage their senses and develop life-long healthy eating habits.

Valentine's Day is "Bread Day" in Sunflower Garden, our mixed-age preschool and kindergarten classes. Everyone knows when its bread day because the rich, toasty aroma wafts down the hallway, stirring hunger and nostalgia in the rest of the school. The older kids jokingly refer to "bread day" as "torture day." They speak with reverence about the comfort and contentment of growing up with warm, buttery rolls and kindergarten soup. Children need nutritious food to provide energy and grounding so they can learn, play and explore. Our teachers have carefully crafted a weekly menu of wholesome meals made from scratch. They lean toward a balanced, vegetarian menu but have adapted to support special dietary requests (like religious dietary restrictions, medical accommodations or ethical dietary choices).

Preparing an EC meal is a team effort for our 4-6 year olds, with the gentle guidance of our teachers. Children take turns helping to stir ingredients.

Depending on what day it is, children might be chopping vegetables (safely and carefully of course), stirring millet or churning butter. This hands-on involvement strengthens their fine motor skills, and instills a sense of purpose and participation.

Another little-known detail of the meal prep is the delivery of a snack plate to the 'office angels. ' This simple, yet meaningful gesture teaches children the joy of giving and reinforces the idea that food is a way to express care and connection. As an office worker, its one of the highlights of my day to see those sweet smiles and say 'thank you.'

When it is time for the meal, the children sit together at a beautifully set table by candlelight. They say a blessing together to enjoy the fruits of their labor and practice their "golden manners" with their teacher and friends. This part of their daily rhythm feeds both the body and the soul.

Our EC Teachers want you to know that mealtime at Da Vinci Waldorf is about more than just eating- it's about an experience of warmth, rhythm and connection.