Comfortable Cafeteria is Changing the Face of Lunch at The Mann

When you close your eyes and think back to lunchtime in elementary school, what comes to mind?  Well, a lot has probably changed since then, but some things stayed the same...until recently, that is.

While lunch should be an enjoyable experience, there are times when lunch in the school cafeteria can be stressful.  Maybe it is too noisy, maybe the lights are too bright.  Maybe there isn't enough time to eat, or people aren't talking kindly with one an other.  In an effort to bring our positive behavior supports into the cafeteria, Horace Mann decided to implement a program called Comfortable Cafeteria (http://www.everymomentcounts.org/view.php?nav_id=1).

Before we began, a team was created with our five lunch/recess supervisors, an occupational therapist, two PTA members and the principal.  We educated ourselves about the program, decided it was a good fit, and planned how to proceed.  We chose 3rd grade to start, and plan to expand to other grades after the pilot. 

Last week, we did the first of 6 sessions, teaching 3rd graders about noise levels in the cafeteria.  Over the last couple weeks, thanks in part to PTA, changes have been happening in the cafeteria that are improving the environment and increasing student responsibility.  For example, we have dimmed the lights with blue filters, divided  tables into smaller sections, and given kids the ability to throw away their trash and volunteer to wipe tables.  On Friday, a few ficus trees were added (the picture is PTA President Amy Lardi on her way in with the big plants).  One 5th grader commented being in the lunchroom was starting to feel like being outside 😊

The vision of Comfortable Cafeteria is for our school to provide pleasant and positive mealtimes so that students will enjoy eating food and socializing with peers and adults.  We look forward to making this vision a reality, and welcome any feedback or suggestions.