Daily Soup Program
“We cannot create observers by saying ‘observe,’ but by giving them the power and the means for this observation, and these means are procured through education of the senses.” – Maria Montessori
Food Preparation as a part of the curriculum, having a child help you with the food preparation is a big part of the Montessori curriculum. Students are invited to join in the process of making “Daily Soup” that is shared with the class. When available, seasonal and regional produce is delivered through a local farm share.
The benefits of students preparing their own food are immeasurable.
Here are a few reasons why it is so important:
Central's Good Neighbor Food Initiative
Central families (and our Churchill neighbors) contribute to our Little Free Pantries at the infant and toddler building. Our volunteer parents have created three new pantries this year!
Each month, one of the classroom levels hosts a Month of Giving and collects extra donations for our Little Free Library and Little Free Pantries.
Families can involve their children in serving their neighbors who may need food by hosting simple food drives with neighbors, extended family, and friends. People want to help, and children can help. It's a great project that yields abundant donations and is a great way to involve the community while helping others.
For enrolled families participating in our V-hours program. Although the effort/management of the collected food and the stocking of the pantry are eligible for 2 V hours, the food provided is considered a donation and is not eligible for V hours.
Anyone can donate to the Little Free Pantries at any time!
We try to keep the Little Free Pantry in mind for our whole school by posting months when each level is encouraged to donate at the bottom of Montessori Moments. However, donations are not limited to your month; they are helpful year-round.
Bring and donate food to any of the front offices or directly into the pantries. Foods should be dried goods with pull tabs when possible. Please note, these donations are not eligible for V Hours.
Because of the increase in donated food brought to FrontDesk (thank you!), Lower El students will restock our Little Free Pantry each Monday. This complements our Upper el and Middle School Program students’ weekly restocking effort.
Food Preparation as a part of the curriculum, having a child help you with the food preparation is a big part of the Montessori curriculum. Students are invited to join in the process of making “Daily Soup” that is shared with the class. When available, seasonal and regional produce is delivered through a local farm share.
The benefits of students preparing their own food are immeasurable.
Here are a few reasons why it is so important:
- It promotes independence and autonomy within the child. They practice preparing their own food and learn various techniques and become closer to caring for themselves.
- It is a community effort. Ingredients come from the weekly donations made by each family at the school. The middle school students shop for food at the local market and distribute it to the younger classrooms.
- Math in the practical world (measurements and portions)
- This activity makes the food more appetizing to the child as they have had an important contribution as to how the meal is made, which in turn encourages children to try new foods, textures, and tastes. This is a good strategy for toddlers who are picky with food
- The food preparation of slicing, spreading, stirring, and scooping helps develop fine motor skills.
- Students expand their food palate through preparation and familiarity with various foods
- Social development is fostered by serving others
- The value of food and hygiene that goes with its preparation is inherently learned when participating in the “Daily Soup” program.
- Students learn to use the food available to prevent food waste and compost, or donate remaining food
Central's Good Neighbor Food Initiative
Central families (and our Churchill neighbors) contribute to our Little Free Pantries at the infant and toddler building. Our volunteer parents have created three new pantries this year!
Each month, one of the classroom levels hosts a Month of Giving and collects extra donations for our Little Free Library and Little Free Pantries.
Families can involve their children in serving their neighbors who may need food by hosting simple food drives with neighbors, extended family, and friends. People want to help, and children can help. It's a great project that yields abundant donations and is a great way to involve the community while helping others.
For enrolled families participating in our V-hours program. Although the effort/management of the collected food and the stocking of the pantry are eligible for 2 V hours, the food provided is considered a donation and is not eligible for V hours.
Anyone can donate to the Little Free Pantries at any time!
We try to keep the Little Free Pantry in mind for our whole school by posting months when each level is encouraged to donate at the bottom of Montessori Moments. However, donations are not limited to your month; they are helpful year-round.
Bring and donate food to any of the front offices or directly into the pantries. Foods should be dried goods with pull tabs when possible. Please note, these donations are not eligible for V Hours.
Because of the increase in donated food brought to FrontDesk (thank you!), Lower El students will restock our Little Free Pantry each Monday. This complements our Upper el and Middle School Program students’ weekly restocking effort.
