“TABLES” – THE HIDDEN AGENDA
“Tables” evolved in a serendipitous manner…
With the introduction of a Nespresso machine at The Snack Shack, teachers and parents soon began to gravitate towards the one table outside the Snack Shack to enjoy the delicious aroma that was filtering through the air. This became a place to relax and socialise.
Bev and Carole, The Snack Shack operators, introduced “THE LUNCH CLUB” – winter meals on order, at the start of the second term, which have grown exponentially. It soon became evident that a seating area would be required for the students to enjoy their lunches. In no time at all, one table was no longer enough and an outside extension to The Snack Shack was created. This has prevented the students from running off with their food and dropping it while playing. That in itself is not ideal for digesting food.
Every day, Bev and Carole set out the meals of the students who subscribe to the lunch club just prior to the start of break time. Each meal has the student’s name on it and upon arrival they are encouraged to find their own meal. This is particularly important for the Year 1 and 2 students to have another opportunity of recognising their names. It is also an opportunity to encourage socialisation around a table while enjoying a meal, something that happens less today in family homes as many children eat their meals mindlessly while playing on their electronic devices. Table manners and how to treat furniture has become part of the hidden agenda of this area. It allows for subtle friendly intervention in which the students learn that walking over tables, for example, is unacceptable.
Besides being influential in encouraging table manners, it is heart warming to see children sometimes sharing their meals with their friends. Of course the litter bin is strategically placed and well used, although recycling where possible is encouraged. This area provides enormous learning opportunities and is thus an important part of hidden agenda of education.
Thus, the benefits of “Tables” is multi factorial. It is a delight to watch the children interact and engage while enjoying their freshly prepared balanced meals. We use these opportunities to encourage healthy eating and especially the intake of vegetables.
Should parents wish to enquire about “THE LUNCH CLUB”, please contact Bev for further information on mossreilly@gmail.com
Written by Bev Moss-Reilly
