22mo–3y10 minMealtimeFamily timeSelf-care
Snack Talk: Tasty and Healthy Choices
During a snack or mealtime, help your child name favourites, make simple healthier choices, and practise self-feeding and careful drinking.
What you'll need
Essentials
- small plate or bowl
- child-safe spoon
- child cup (open cup or lidded cup)
- 2-3 snack options from home (e.g., fruit pieces, yogurt, crackers)
Nice to have
- water
- napkin or cloth
- two small bowls for sorting snacks
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneFeeds self with utensil (spoon/fork) without spillingBody· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneDrinks well without spillingBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneDevelops own likes and dislikes in food and drink.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneFeeds self with spoonBody· 12mo–2.1y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· core· Steps 3, 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Give children the chance to talk about what they like to eat, while reinforcing messages about healthier choices.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)