8 Helpful Back-to-School and Remote-Learning Lunchtime Tips
We think you’ll agree that the usual back-to-school jitters come with a bit more anxiety and trepidation this year. And while you can’t control most of what’s going on in the world right now, you can still plan the little things – like your kids’ lunch and snack-time regimen! Keep reading for both (1) safe lunch packing tips and (2) remote learning lunchtime ideas.
Back-to-School Lunch Packing Tips
- Stay Organized
Lower those stress levels this fall by staying organized (easier said than done, we know). At the beginning of the week (or month), create a food chart like this one to keep track of what you have in the kitchen. Not only does this keep everything evenly stocked, but it also ensures your kids are getting a balanced lunch each day!
- Prep Food Ahead of Time
Food prep for school lunches can be as time-intensive as building sandwiches and cooking noodles the night before school, or it can be as simple as setting up food stations. These stations make it easy for the kids to grab what they want and head out the door, hassle-free.
- Make Safety a Priority
If the kids are heading off to school, arm their lunchboxes with everything they need to stay safe and healthy during lunchtime. Attach a travel-sized hand sanitizer to their lunchbox handle and pack some antibacterial wipes to wipe down the table and seat before sitting down. Encourage your kids to eat out of their lunchbox, rather than laying their spread out on the lunch table, and discourage them from trading food with their friends (no matter how tasty that Snack Pack looks). Consider packing foods that can be eaten with utensils, like fruit cups, to limit the amount of hand to mouth contact.
- Add Notes
Heading back to school this year is going to be a little scary for your kids, especially if they’re young. Leave a note every so often to remind them they’re loved! It might also be a good idea to write a short list of COVID-related lunchtime reminders on a note as well – (1) don’t forget to sanitize your hands, (2) don’t trade food, (3) keep snacks off the table, etc.
Remote Learning Lunchtime Tips
- Mimic a Regular Schedule
Maintaining some sort of school schedule (if their school isn’t offering a structured day) will make your child’s eventual transition back to school much easier. Along with a set lunch time every day, consider planning snack times as well to break up lessons as your kids become restless.
- Use Snacks in Lessons
Make school at home fun for your little ones by using snacks in lessons. Think: practice colors with a package of M&M’s or teach chemical reactions by baking cookies.
- Create a Lunch Menu
Have extra time on your hands? Write up a lunch calendar with pre-planned meals for the kids or create a mini menu with lunch options your child can choose from. Here are a few fun menu templates.
- Get the Kids Involved
Rather than using lunch as a break, include it in the lesson plans! Teach simple skills like washing grapes or skip ahead to a more advanced skill like assembling a wrap.
Back-to-school season undoubtedly looks different this year. Plan your new school lunch regimen now so that it’s one less thing to worry about later! Once you have your plan in place, head to your local Sparkle Market for all the quality ingredients you need for your child’s lunch.
