Simple Tips

November 11, 2008 | Print

Kids Napkins

In RIE infant and toddler classes, snack is a ritual that begins with children gathering together on a cloth laid on the floor or sitting on stools around a small table. The leader holds out a damp cloth to each child and gently wipes their hands clean. Then come the bananas. When a child finishes, their hands are wiped again with the cloth.

The wiping of hands sets a calm tone for eating, and defines the beginning and end of meals. The children also get used to cleaning their hands after eating. The cloths are colored washcloths.

Kelly uses washcloths as napkins for her kids. Each child has their own color (when buying new ones, preschoolers choose their favorite). The washcloths are easy to clean (OXO Brite removes even blueberry stains), durable, and work well with a little water to clean sticky banana off toddler fingers. Plus they make setting the table more fun.

Kelly has bright colored washcloths from Garnet Hill. When they wear out, she’ll look for organic like these from Gaiam.

•