Eat Together, Walk Together, Grow Together

Chatter At The Platter

Mealtimes aren’t just for nourishment. They are a great way to increase language development.

Sitting down together provides: -

• Natural conversational opportunities

• Face-to face interactions

• A shared context & connection

Kids learn best through repetition, modeling, and real-life situations. Meals are filled with smells, textures, actions, and routines. Meals give you plenty to talk about in a natural way.

Feed the Brain not just the Tummy

Build key language skills without flashcards. Turn each bite into a brain boost.

During meals children can develop:

• Vocabulary: “That’s a very crunchy carrot.”

• Descriptive language: “This soup is hot, orange, and a little spicy.”

• Sequencing; “First we set the table, then we eat, and last we help clean up.”

• Requesting: “Can I have more noodles please”

• Turn-taking: “What did you do today? I did ___! What did you do?”

Conversations for all ages

Toddlers (1-2 years)

Focus on labeling and simple words!

• Yum Banana!

• More milk?

• Mmm, hot! Blow on it!

• All done!

• eat eat eat!

Preschool (3-5years)

Encourage short sentences & choices

• Do you want apples or oranges?

• Tell me about your day.

• First we eat, then we play

• Wow, you’re using your fork all by yourself.

School-age kids (6+years)

Storytelling, conversing, and critical thinking

• What was something funny that happened today?

• Why is spaghetti your favorite?

• If you could cook anything, what would it be?

Tips for success

Eat together when you can

Even one shared meal a day helps build connection and language

Minimize distractions

Turn off the TV & put down the phones encourages face-to-face conversations

Follow their lead

Talk about what they’re interested in, even if it’s the ketchup bottle making silly noises