Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Nutrition as Part of a Montessori Education

Dr. Maria Montessori’s education philosophy centers on guiding children to develop to their fullest potential. In her writings, she included proper nutrition as a key element on the student’s developmental path. 

Food provides the energy to fuel a child’s development. At La Prima Casa Montessori, proper nutrition is an important part of the educational process. Each day, our students receive a healthy, fulfilling, well-balanced lunch that is designed to meet all of the child’s nutritional needs. 

The La Prima Casa lunch menu items are planned to offer a consistent variety so that lunchtime won’t become routine for students. From mojo pork to chicken tetrazzini to shrimp scampi to beef tacos, lunchtime at La Prima Casa will be as much of an exciting experience for students as the exceptional lesson plan. 

As a parent, you can help in your child’s development by making nutrition a part of their home life. This not only means preparing nutritious meals for them, but also encouraging healthy eating habits that they can carry with them throughout their life. 

Here are a few things you can do at home to promote healthy eating habits:

1. Consider healthier options during meal preparation.

When preparing meals, consider making some gradual changes that can help your children develop a taste for healthy meals. Instead of frying, try baking. Whole grains and whole wheat choices are better options than refined grains. And instead of juice or soda, which are loaded with refined sugars, consider skim milk or water for their beverage options. 

2. Help your child make healthy choices for themselves.

Montessori education promotes independence and encourages students to make their own choices. Follow that path at home and allow your child some independence in making their own eating choices. To allow your child to develop nutritious eating habits, start at a young age and make healthy fruits and vegetables available, particularly as a choice for snacking.

3. Organize the kitchen to promote healthy eating.

To help foster good decision making, organize your kitchen to promote healthy eating.  Keep healthy eating options in lower cupboards and shelves where they can be accessible to your kids. You may also want to clear shelves in the lower part of the refrigerator to keep healthy options within reach. A pitcher of water should be one item to make available to reach on the lower levels, as well as containers of fruits or vegetables for snacking. Some ideal options include bananas, carrot chips and clementine’s, which are easy for young children to peel. 

It’s true that children can be picky eaters, particularly young ones. Be patient with your child, especially those under five years of age, as they are naturally resistant to trying new things. 

By serving as a role model and giving them the power to make wise decisions on their own, you can foster healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.