Establish the skills the student is independent with regarding food preparation, i.e. filling a glass with water from tap or filling a glass with milk or juice from a jug.
Using a visual picture or written checklist for a lunch preparation will be helpful. Begin with tasks that the student is already capable of, i.e. if sandwiches are a choice are they able to open the bag holding the bread
Part of the checklist needs to include cleanliness in preparing meals, i.e. washing fruit, washing hands before or after handling food. Add items as the student is able to independently complete the previous tasks.
Allow the student to choose items they prefer – sandwich choices – often starting with a choice between two items.
Have conversations about the importance of healthy eating and proper nutrition.
Allowing students to choose menus for the family meals will help them see and understand healthy food choices are important for everyone.
Educator Considerations
The school follows the same structure as being used at home. Establish the skills the student is independent with regarding food preparation, i.e. filling a glass with water from tap or filling a glass with milk or juice from a jug. Ensure that the school programming supports the family’s routines.
If the student is preparing their own lunch at home and bringing it to school, see if there are opportunities in the school to mirror the tasks of making a lunch i.e. preparing sandwiches for lunches in the school lunch program or special lunches.
Use a similar checklist the home uses to include cleanliness in preparing meals, i.e. washing fruit, washing hands before or after handling food. Add items as the student is able to independently complete the previous tasks.
Have conversations about healthy eating choices, use pictures to help student visualize items and build a healthy lunch with the photos, i.e. fruit, vegetables, main item
Reading books/stories that involve healthy foods or recipes will assist students to learn about the good nutrition.
