Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/who-needs-the-mess/5016938/
As early childhood professionals, we tend to conquer the days, quickly transitioning from one activity to the next, setting up and cleaning up, and somehow thinking that even the slightest momentary pause in our rapid pace will result in ensuing preschool chaos. We’re professionals on the move, and that includes mealtime. Although we have a high tolerance for kiddy activity and noise, there’s something about our organized, teacher-directed selves that derives great satisfaction from toys neatly placed on shelves, little nap mats all lined in a row and prepared plates of food ready to be eaten by “just come from the playground” kids.Let’s face it, teachers can do it faster and more efficiently, and children are hungry. No time to waste. Why not dish it out and serve it up? Most of us pour the drinks in little cups, set out food-filled plates before every chair, roam the aisles with a roll of paper towels anticipating the first spill of the day, and grab a bite on the run as we scurry to dole out seconds or stand and chat with another teacher. And for a brief moment, the room is quiet with the hush of small bellies filling up. Ah! ...