EDUC 115 Assignment: Menu Analysis and Family Style Dining Review

This assignment analyzes a preschool menu, evaluating its compliance with MyPlate guidelines by examining the variety, timing, and appeal of meals and snacks. The student reviews a sample menu, identifying the presence of grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins, and the absence of unhealthy foods. The assignment also involves reviewing a video demonstrating family-style dining, discussing its developmental objectives (motor skills, language skills, social skills, and independence), and comparing it to a personal observation. The student creates their own menu based on MyPlate and provides a commentary on the importance of teacher's understanding of nutrition in the classroom. The student emphasizes the role of teachers in promoting balanced diets and educating children about nutrition. References include Arizona Department of Health Services video, and articles on family dining and child care nutrition.

Running head: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 1
Early Childhood Education
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 2
Early Childhood Education
Menu Analysis
The meals and the snacks offered at the long day care Summer Menu meet the MyPlate
guidelines, which means they are comprised of grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins (Lochetta,
2016). Water is also provided throughout the day. Unhealthy foods such as processed meats,
deep-fried foods, and sugary snacks are not included in the menu.
Menu Review
There is a variety of food provided for by the long daycare in the Summer Menu. These
include choices like; creamy corn and tuna, yogurt dips, meat, vegetables, rice cakes, and
chicken curry. The intake of the meals is well distributed across the menu, creating a balanced
and nutritious meal.
The meal snacks are provided at the appropriate times when the children are likely to be
hungry.
The food is appealing and nutritious to the children being offered as this ensures their
growth is rapidly promoted, and they are also maintaining good health.
Family Style Dining
In the video, the children involved are engaged in a series of activities around the dining
table with the guidance of the caregiver. There are several developmental objectives that the
children are working on during the family-style dining process. These include; motor skills,
language skills, social skills, and a sense of independence (Arizona Department of Health
Services, 2010). These are essential characteristics that can be carried onto their adulthood. One
of the things that I was surprised to see in the video is the ease of understanding that the children

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 3
held. They got coordinated faster and without much stressing, and they also seemed to enjoy the
activities that they were being engaged in genuinely.
During one of the tours at my friend’s place, I once came across a family dining style
composed of preschoolers, and the set up was much relatable to the one in the video. However,
the one I saw had fewer children in quantity, and they only assisted in meal preparation. Their
caregivers served them with the allowance of making their food selection. The eating equipment
and utensils were light and non-fragile to enhance practicality and efficiency while working with
the children (Arizona Department of Health Services, 2010). I would recommend various child
care programs to adapt the family-style dining as it helps in instilling a valuable set of skills in
the children involved.
Commentary
Teachers need to have a comprehensive understanding of nutrition, as this significantly
contributes to the knowledge and skills passed on the students. Since the teachers spend a lot of
time with the students, they play a significant role in the nutritional choices made by the
students, and this has a significant impact on their health (Benjamin, et al., 2018).
As a teacher dealing specifically with children, I would ensure the children eat a balanced diet by
making a timetable with a variety of foods and helping them choose from each nutritional
category (Woodward-Lopez, et al., 2018). I would also educate them on the basics of nutrition
and its significance to enhance their participation.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 4
References
Arizona Department of Health Services. (2010, November 3). Family Department in the
Childcare Setting. [Video file]. Retrieved from, https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=nj_s89ydnBs&feature=youtu.be
Benjamin, S. E. et. al. (2018). The Family Child Care Home Environment and Children’s Diet
Quality. Appetite Journal, 1(126), pp.108-113. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.03.024
Lochetta, B. M & Barton, E. E, & Kaiser, A. (2016). Using Family Style Dining to Increase
Social Interactions in Young Children. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education.
Retrieved from, https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0271121416678078
Woodward-Lopez, G. et. al. (2018). Changes in Nutrition Policies and Dietary Intake in Child
Care Homes Participating in Healthy Eating and Active Living Initiative. American
Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(5), pp. 170-177. Retrieved from,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.01.007