Meal Time

Meal time is a vital part of the day in a Montessori classroom. Students are involved in every step, from setting the table and serving themselves to cleaning up afterward. This fosters self-reliance and responsibility. Meal preparation also provides an opportunity to practice good hygiene and helps children feel connected to their peers as they prepare a meal to share. During mealtimes, children develop etiquette and communication skills as they interact with one another. These moments are not just about eating—they’re meaningful experiences where children build practical life skills, a sense of community, and connection.

We give the child nourishing food so that his little body may grow, and in just the same way we must provide him with suitable nourishment for his mental and moral growth.

– Maria Montessori, Maria Montessori Speaks to Parents, p. 20