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We seem to have a difference of opinion…
Last week we ran what we thought was a cute craft idea called Edible Food Crafts. We received wonderful feedback on it and many of the other articles. However, everyone did not share our enthusiasm for this craft idea. The following thoughtful response was sent to us by one of our loyal followers and we wanted to share it with you.
Thank you for your newsletter. I enjoy reading the articles and features. One additional note — edible crafts sounds interesting, however (and I do not want to be negative or to stymie anyone’s creativity, but), using food for crafts has some severe drawbacks: children may be inclined to eat the supplies; this is a ready means to spread germs as children handle, trade, horde, or negotiate over the food before using and/or eating eat it; and in this case it involves giving the children sugary edibles which poses a variety of heath issues and may contradict our efforts to encourage healthy eating habits. Additionally, some authorities believe it sends the wrong message to have an activity that uses food in ways that could be considered wasteful (if the food is not going to be eaten.)
Our goal at Childcare Bridge is to bring collaboration, a sharing of information, resources and ideas to all of our mutual support. We are grateful when other opinions and ideas are presented so that every idea has a voice and each professional can choose for themselves what works for them from a variety of ideas and solutions. Please click this link to see what one of our guest authors has to say about food as crafts.
We are opening this subject up for comments and encourage everyone to weigh in with their feelings on the subject and any ideas about how to successfully navigate this issue. Please let us know about your experience with this topic.
I have been an early childhood educator for the past 18 years. Each year when I introduced the letters of the alphabet I use Fridays as my “Fun with Food” lessons. We cook and eat our creations! Not once have I ever been told that I was “spreading germs as children handle, trade, horde, or negotiate over the food before using and/or eating eat it; and in this case it involves giving the children sugary edibles which poses a variety of heath issues and may contradict our efforts to encourage healthy eating habits.” In this case what about touching door knobs, toys in the centers, passing of materials, etc.? There are germs in everything that we do but if we use the correct hand washing techniques and ensure that the children are aware and educated on the spreading of germs…our children will be fine!!! Let the children enjoy a “hands-on ” learning experience that they may not receive at home!
I tend to agree with the response of the concern for passing illness through edible crafts. Another concern for me is that, We have children in our programs that come from a low economic background. These children may not get enough to eat at home and by “playing” with our food we are showing a disrespect for those who have a hard time gaining access to food.
I used to use edible crafts as well until I was educated on the “respect” issues of differences in cultures as well as economics in our communities.
I do use food exploration as a form of expression for the children but this activity is our snack. I believe that using food substances for scientific exploration and then comsumption may be a way we can use those experiences for very small children who need those experiences, as food exploration for infants and toddlers is a natural learning process.
We use no food for any activity that renders it inedible. This has been our policy for 20 years. We formulated it to help us teach the children that food is not to be wasted because there are many people without enough to eat. Although it is a sophisticated concept we have successfully helped children learn the value of caring for others and being part of a community. The food policy is one part of a comprehensive curriculum plan to encourage children to be careful consumers and caring members of the community.
My experience with food and children is that it is explored and eaten, something passed down through generations. My dad told of how his mom let his sisters and him make their own loaves of bread – allowing them to play first and then bake them so the children could eat them. Germs are ever present and as we are learning it is healthy for children to develop their own immune system and this is possible by coming into contact with the normal day to day kid germs, so with moderation on the sugary stuff enjoy the fun and feel of edible art.