By: Mandy Glasener, Lead Preschool Teacher and Danni Drake, Teacher Assistant
As pre-school teachers, we are all too familiar with this battle. How do you get a 3-year-old to try something new or eat their vegetables? We will share with you some of our tried and true secrets!
The key is to disguise it!
We managed to get a whole classroom of preschoolers to eat their peas and want more! Crazy! Right?
We made pea pancakes. A savory treat full of fiber, protein and fun!
Focusing on the aesthetics makes it fun for all kids to eat. Can you eat the nose? Who will eat his eyeballs first?
Not only are you making it a learning experience, you are eating healthy right along with your child.
Also, we LOVE Pinterest. We have found many easy recipes that are quick and healthy that the children love and ask for us to make together. Some of our favorites are below!
- The rice cake face. You can change it up and use fruit and yogurt too! The possibilities are endless!
- A favorite pre-school activity is mixing and making zucchini bread is a winner to make for snack time every time!
- Dips are popular too! This ranch hummus dip is a winner!
We use the hummus as “glue” and go fishing for goldfish with our veggie stick rods! Not only are you eating an amazing, fiber, protein packed snack, you are also having fun playing a game!
Growing a garden (even a few small containers) is a rewarding experience even for the youngest of gardeners. Everything is more delicious when you grow it all by yourself!
We grow our own vegetables here at “The Lily Garden” and harvesting is always a very exciting time. We have tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, zucchini and broccoli growing this year. In the past we have done rainbow carrots, kale and potatoes too!
Involve your kids in the food preparation and it will make them want to try it too. Research shows that if your child is involved with the meal prep they are much more likely to eat it. Also be a role model and show them that you like to eat your fruits and veggies too!
Please share your favorite healthy snacks in the comments.
Happy snacking!
The Lily Garden Child Development Center incorporates a play-based program philosophy. We understand that children learn best when provided with experiences in an environment that is positive, nurturing and developmentally appropriate. Learn more about the Lily Garden Child Development Center here.
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