Lunchtime can be anyone's favorite time of the day, and there is no exception with the children of the Unicorn group. As the year has progressed, the teachers have begun to incorporate solid food at mealtime. Before each meal, the teachers begin the routine of getting each child ready, like washing hands, preparing food, and sitting down at the table. As children expand their mobility, some children are now even able to independently feed themselves with a spoon or drink out of an open cup, with the assistance of their caregivers, of course. 

At the CEC, involving children in their own care is a huge part of our philosophy, so teachers inform the children of every step of the meal process, including preparation and during the actual meal. Through the repetition of telling children when meals are ready, the children are beginning to understand what needs to be done before they can eat their meal. "Some children will come in the kitchen as soon as they know their meal is ready, one child even sits herself at the table all on her own," said Master Lead Teacher Josie. The conversations between teachers and children are also becoming more advanced as the children understand more and more. For example, as a part of involving the children in their care, the teachers will ask the children if they do or do not want lunch, and they have the choice to continue with whatever activity they are doing or choose to have their meal. Even at this young age, the children use their critical thinking skills to make decisions based on their wants and needs, such as if they want their lunch now or later.  

The children take their growing independence to new heights as they tackle the task of scooping yogurt, oatmeal, and other yummy foods, making a delightful mess as they do! Eating as a group allows the children to socialize with their classmates and teachers. Everyone sits at the table during lunch, and teachers will describe what food they are eating. Teachers take the opportunity to listen to the children as they eat. The children will use sign language to sign things like "more" or "all done" to let the teachers know what they need.

The children are also becoming aware of the other children and what they are eating or doing, even mimicking their actions, and giggling or babbling along together. "At the beginning of the year, the children were not even aware of each other or what they are doing, but now they are becoming more curious about each other, and they giggle and make sounds in their own kind of communication," said Josie.