One of our most popular routines is daily snack time. The children love to decide for themselves when to pause for a snack. It may be with a friend during a break from a shared activity, or alone for quiet reflection after an exciting activity has been satisfactorily completed. Sometimes children will have to wait for a space, and this helps to raise awareness of the needs of others in the group. Above all, we feel our children grow in confidence through having this responsibility.
Our snack area is in a quiet part of the room away from the hustle and bustle of the busy nursery pathways. It was created from two small tables covered in attractive washable fabric. This limits the number of children who can visit at any one time, and the three chairs around the tables also serve as a reminder to keep numbers low.
On the wall behind the table we have a notice displaying a photograph of 'Today's snack'. This is one of a series of photographs that we took ourselves and printed on our computer. Every day a child helps us to change this photograph.
Also displayed are photographs and appropriate captions of the sequence to follow when the children arrive for their snack, instructing them to 'Find your name card', 'Put your name in the basket', Choose your drink', 'Sit at the table', 'Put your milk carton in the bucket'.
On the table is a basket of name cards, a tray of milk cartons, plates with today's snack and plates for the children.
At first, we ask older children to partner younger children so that they follow the routine, especially with regard to hand washing.
This area is very successful and mostly managed by the children themselves.
We have observed that their personal, social and emotional development is enhanced greatly by their visits to it: they take turns and share fairly, form relationships with one another, select resources independently and manage their personal hygiene.
Judith Cowley is the nursery teacher at Cockfield Primary School, County Durham. She spoke to Jean Evans.