We may only be two weeks into the new school year but First Grade has been keeping Toodie and I both very busy. Adapting to a structured routine after a relaxed summer has actually been much easier than I anticipated. I’m still struggling with the early mornings but it can’t all be sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s been a complete breeze. Waking up earlier than need be, writing thoughtful lunch notes, carefully crafting themed bento boxes, ironing uniforms, and making flashcards can be exhausting. Insert more over-achieving mom problems here. First Grade is proving to be much different than Kindergarten, from the challenging curriculum to the weekly spelling tests. Each day there is something new to be learned. If there is one thing that makes it all worth it, it’s the enlightening car ride home where I get to hear about the highlights of Toodie’s day.
This year may bring changes but there are still many things that remain the same. These include but are not limited to- the slew of sand that makes it’s way from the playground to our carpet thanks to Toodie’s cavernous sneakers, the loss of color coordinated hair bows which will never be seen again (we already have one casualty during week two), and the insatiable hunger that creeps upon her as soon as she walks into the door after a long day of school. Before she even gets the chance to raid the pantry I make sure to have an after school snack tray ready to go. This makes getting homework done much easier and prevents her from snacking like a maniac before dinner time.
Each week I try to include different snacks and foods that Toodie enjoys, sometimes introducing new things as well. When stocking up on snacks I prefer to shop the savings at Publix because I get high quality products and am able to take advantage of the regular promotions. Some of her favorites include Vanilla Yoplait Greek Yogurt, Mighty Mango Naked Juice, Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, Chex Mix, Totino’s Pizza Rolls, and Shark Fruit Snacks. I usually keep our stash stocked by buying the value packs which often have a coupon.
Some other after school snack tray ideas include:
- fresh fruit
- mini sandwiches
- nuts
- cookies
- crackers & cheese
- veggies & salad dressing
- granola
- meat roll ups
- pretzels & peanut butter dip
- yogurt
- graham crackers
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I like to make fun and colorful rainbow plate from fruits and berries
I like to freeze grapes and yogurts to make it a different type of snack.
I make them fun by having the "right" snack in the house otherwise it's no fun for either of us!!
I try to make them cute and cut stuff in fun shapes
I make snacks fun by giving them dips and toppings.
We use cookie cutters on PBJ's or bagels.
I cut them into their favorite shapes and freeze fruit for fruit popsicles.
Honestly I don't really think about making snacks fun, my son is 12 and when he comes home from school he just wants to eat something.
I make snacks fun by making them into animal shapes.
I make snacks fun by serving cut up fruits and veggies with interesting sauces and making them into fun shapes.
My son loves crackers and cheese, so I usually cut the crackers in cute shapes.
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I make snacks fun by putting them in cool containers that they like to eat out of.
I make faces with the food
Oh we try to make cute snacks when we can, I love looking for fun ideas like this one! I need to get more creative!
I like to make bento-type snacks.
I always serve food on their comic book plates
make it in cute shapes
I love that you used the cupcake containers for your kiddo snacks. I don't have tiny humans, but my boyfriend keeps snack packs for me in his work backpack so I don't get hangry.
Frozen grapes!
I offer a few choices! They also love having chocolate milk after school!
i usually give my son pretzels and different flavors of cheese blocks!
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I use different cutters to cut out cheese shapes to go with some Ritz crackers.
I let the kids help pick out snacks they want when we go grocery shopping
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I make snack time fun by making one on one time and spending the time talking about our days. No distractions allowed.
Me and my kiddos making Cup cakes with different flavors,
They get to pick weekday snack menu during weekends.
The kids help pick out the snacks at the store, and help look for recipes to make/try. We also eat the snacks in different locations – outside if the weather permits.
We try to alternate sweet snacks with savory ones, hot with cold, etc.
I make fun shapes
I let them choose from many options!
I write funny notes
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