The Atelier of Taste
Precious wisdom is shared through curious hands as cooking explorations and preparing for mealtime are part of relationship-driven learning. Check out our school menu for toddlers and preschoolers!
The Kitchen
Cheerful and Flavorful Table Setting and Meal Experiences
"When we talk about the theory of the 'hundred languages,' few think that one of the places where this theory acquires meaning is the kitchen of the infant-toddler centres and preschools: 'the atelier of taste'..." (Rinaldi)
Storybook Village Preschool is a proud participant in the Healthy Apple Program through the Sonoma County Department of Health Services. This program supports child care educators in using research-based best practices in nutrition and physical activity for children from birth to age 5.
To provide the best possible nutrition, we follow nutrition and physical activity policies that guide our daily routines. We are especially proud of our school garden, which allows children to plant, harvest, and prepare fresh foods together. Snacks and lunch are prepared on-site each day, and mealtimes are designed to be both nourishing and joyful. Since children are known to “eat with their eyes,” we create hands-on cooking experiences that encourage curiosity and healthy habits.
Our Toddler and Preschool programs are provided with nutritious snacks and lunch. Mealtimes are an important part of our community, where children participate in taste tests, small cooking groups, and outdoor classroom experiences. These shared meals help children build responsibility, confidence, and pride in preparing their own food. (Please see below for our mealtime serving sizes.)
We also believe that birthdays, seasonal events, and celebrations are wonderful opportunities to highlight nutritious foods and active play. At Storybook Village, celebrations may include themed healthy snacks, festive music, friendship art, and playful games. Please note: sweetened treats are not allowed at school. For more details on supporting healthy habits at celebrations, see our Family Handbook.
Snack includes two of the following four components [CCR, Title 22, Section 101227(a)(1)]:
Milk (½ cup), Vegetable (½ cup) and Fruit (½ cup), Grain (¼ cup, ½ slice or ½ serving), or Meat/Meat Alternative (½ ounce or ¼ cup)
Lunch includes the following components [CCR, Title 22, Section 101227(a)(1)]:
Milk (½ cup), Vegetable (½ cup) and Vegetable (½ cup), Grain (¼ cup, ½ slice or ½ serving), and Meat/Meat Alternative (½ ounce or ¼ cup)
Our Favorite Recipes
Our recipe cards invite families to continue healthy habits at home—strengthening the home–school connection and extending learning beyond the classroom. Mangia! Mangia!
Growing an Edible Garden
We grow an edible garden throughout the seasons to promote hands-on gardening to table learning! We garden by using the five senses and making real-life connections while the focus is all about the process, not the product. This hands-on learning promotes sensory exploration. The teachers and children love tapping into their inner scientists and caring for nature. The garden is part of all learning domains, from reading books about plants and bugs to small cooking projects with herbs and vegetables. Gardening is promoting an interest in literacy to positive social interactions with rich language. The children enjoy using nature photos and drawings from their gardening experiences to creating class-made posters and books and other nature-based projects to share their ideas and predictions.
The garden has created a healing environment to explore and learn long-term strategies and coping tools while managing feelings. The garden fosters a calm and regulated emotional environment and a love for gardening, which children can share with their families.
"Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden." ~ Robert Brault.
Happy 6th Birthday to Storybook!
Reach out to learn more about our magical preschool in the Montgomery Village neighborhood!