Snack During School Day - yes or no?

Twins Mom · ‎04-03-2016

In subbing at elementary classes lately I have noticed a common occurrence is having snack time and having a water bottle at the desk. This of course leads to more bathroom breaks, refilling bottle, cleanup, etc. Parents, how do you feel about it being part of school day? Just wondering perspective of others. Thanks.

JaneMarple · ‎05-23-2011

@twins mom wrote:
In subbing at elementary classes lately I have noticed a common occurrence is having snack time and having a water bottle at the desk. This of course leads to more bathroom breaks, refilling bottle, cleanup, etc. Parents, how do you feel about it being part of school day? Just wondering perspective of others. Thanks.

What age group or grades are you referring to? I see nothing wrong with snack time for kids from pre-school to third grade. Some kids eat breakfast pretty early so a mid morning snack would be beneficial for them.

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Lila Belle · ‎01-24-2013

Snacks and liquids for everyone no matter what age.. jmo

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

5 to 8 year olds need five glasses a day of water. 7 glasses for 9 to 12 year olds. As reported by Healthy kids.

They also say kids need snacks during the day, for one thing because they have smaller stomachs.

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

I think its fine. Kids spend a long time each day at school, and small pick me up, probably helps them concentrate better

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

@Lila Belle wrote:
Snacks and liquids for everyone no matter what age.. jmo

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I think so, too, although I've never been one to drink a lot of liquids.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

Things sure have changed. In the elementary school where I volunteer, the kids can have water with them in the class rooms. A few, but not all of the teachers allow the kids to eat snacks at their desk during class.

I feel ok about the water as my GD has to have water with her almost all of the time because she gets terrible migraines if she isn't hydrated. I don't like the food in the class rooms through. If a child needs a snack for a medical condition, that would be okay too.

Some kids throw candy paper on the floor or get things sticky and sometimes the other kids are distracted by what they are eating. There are cookie and cracker crumbs on the desks and floors which can attract bugs. I've never seen a healthy snack like a piece of fruit, it's usually candy, chips or cookies. They bring the snack from home. Their desks are filthy and they dump the food right out onto papers and books. IMO, all food should be eaten in the cafeteria.

The absolute worst thing IMO is the teacher who allows her 3rd grade class to sit any where at any time. Kids are slouched in bean bag chairs, some are on the floor laying face down with the books or tablet on the floor in front of them. Some sit on their desks and some stand. There are also some who sit at their desks on their chairs like you would expect them to. She is very young and liberal. I mentioned to her that this was a new concept and she said the kids are too young to be expected to sit still for more than a few minutes and her way works better. Whatever!!!???

Lila Belle · ‎01-24-2013

What adult can sit still for 6-8 hours a day @Carmie?

Ladybug837 · ‎09-11-2011

We always had snack time all throughout my school years. Even in high school we had a small break that a lot of people ate a small snack during. I think it's a good thing. It's hard to focus if you're hungry/thirsty.

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

@Carmie wrote:
Things sure have changed. In the elementary school where I volunteer, the kids can have water with them in the class rooms. A few, but not all of the teachers allow the kids to eat snacks at their desk during class.

I feel ok about the water as my GD has to have water with her almost all of the time because she gets terrible migraines if she isn't hydrated. I don't like the food in the class rooms through. If a child needs a snack for a medical condition, that would be okay too.

Some kids throw candy paper on the floor or get things sticky and sometimes the other kids are distracted by what they are eating. There are cookie and cracker crumbs on the desks and floors which can attract bugs. Food should be eaten in the cafeteria IMO.

The absolute worst thing IMO is the teacher who allows her 3rd grade class to sit any where at any time. Kids are slouched in bean bag chairs, some are on the floor laying face down with the books or tablet on the floor in front of them. Some sit on their desks and some stand. There are also some who sit at their desks on their chairs like you would expect them to. She is very young and liberal. I mentioned to her that this was a new concept and she said the kids are too young to be expected to sit still for more than a few minutes and her way works better. Whatever!!!???

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That teacher has a valid point @Carmie. i wouldn't call it liberal, but well educated. It's called kinesthetic learning. Some kids learn better if they are moving, especially younger kids. I am sure information would be available online.