justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

Observations by a Substitute Teacher V

What’s for lunch?

As I substitute in classrooms of children with learning challenges, I get the opportunity to help them during their snack and lunch activities. In that role, I’ve observed a great range of items in snacks and lunches, many reflecting a variety of delicious ethnic specialties.  

While my sample size is quite small, in six special needs classes with approximately 100 students in attendance ranging from four to eight-years of age, I observed the following:

Typical commercial snacks, such as

-      Pringles

-      Pretzels

-      Raisins

-      String cheese

-      Yogurt treats

-      Sushi

-      Potato chips

-      Peanut butter

-      Trail mix

-      Veggie chips

Other fare, such as

- Broiled Brussel sprouts

- Succotash

- Fried onions

- Lamb stew

- Pot stickers

- Guacamole and chips

- Different kinds of cookies

- Carrots, celery, jicama, and tomatoes

- Fruit

- A wide variety of juice and milk beverages

Since the majority of the students had some degree of autism and were either non- or of limited verbal skills, I supported the student’s eating order and preferences through their variety of actions. Since there was also the concern for any food allergies, the “no trading food” rule was strictly enforced.

Through these rich experiences, I got to learn about student and family preferences as I helped with this important part of the student’s school day. 

All in all, a valuable educational experience for me.