On Thursday I had Thanksgiving lunch at school with Tyler. Parents and other family members were invited to come out and share a special Thanksgiving meal with their child. I admit I went for the promise of turkey and dressing but am pleased to say I left with something more important (than a full stomach that is). This was the first time I had the opportunity to really see how Tyler interacts with his classmates. Of course I see him with is “best friends” each afternoon when I pick him up from school but during these times it’s really a blur of bodies in khaki pants and hunter green shirts. But to actually sit down and break bread with him and his little friends was quite an experience.
And for those who don’t think teachers shouldn’t receive more compensation, shame on you. Teachers have their hands full, especially with the little ones. They were all soooooo active and vocal. It all started in the line where sounds of, “I don’t want that” and “I don’t like that”, not to mention the ever-popular, “Don’t put that on my plate!” The lunch ladies simple responded, “If you don’t want it, leave it on your plates, now move on.” I was trying really hard not to laugh when one of the ladies said to me, “We hear this everyday from them, we’re used to it!”
Then Tyler decides to show off in front of me by pretending he forgot his lunch number. When they check out they are supposed to tell the cashier their number. So he says to me, “Mama, what’s my number?” Of course, I didn’t know. The cashier says to him, “TT (apparently this is what they call him), you know what your number is, stop showing off in front of your mama.” Again I had to stifle a laugh.
Once we sat down the real fun began. Now I know why Tyler comes home hungry most days. The majority of his class, my son included, spent most of their lunch period talking, playing with their food and leaning on each other saying, “stop scrunching me.”
All in all it was a good experience. I found out that my son gets along well with his classmates and I was pleased to see that most of the class follows directions well. For instance, once they are finished eating they have to get up and throw away their trays (they use those take out type of trays without the tops), wipe their table with a napkin and then stand in line until it’s time to return to class. For the entire time I was there I don’t think they stopped talking at all, not even to eat!
The school allows parents to eat with their child anytime they want, the cost is just $3.00 and it was well-worth it. I’ll definitely return again, special occasion or not.
See also:
Tips For Packing Your Kid’s Lunch
Eating School Lunch With Your Child