Why you shouldn't be using food as a toddler sensory activity.

What message does using food as a toy send to privileged children? Let's talk about "taste-safe" toddler sensory play, rainbow rice, oats play, macaroni necklaces and other forms of food based toddler sensory activities. In this video I suggest one question as a screening tool for allowing children to use food as anything other than a source of nutrition. There could be a real problem with the trend of "taste safe" sensory activities and DIY food based sensory activities for toddlers. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Is giving children food to use as a toy ever appropriate? Is there a way to do it without sending our toddlers messages we don't want them to absorb? TODDLER SENSORY PLAY ACTIVITIES. Is playing with food an acceptable way to stimulate your child’s senses with sensory play? Education of the senses is important in the Montessori curriculum. However, while there is some food used in the practical life areas, it is still treated as food. Yes, stimulation of the senses and refinement of the senses is so important for a child's development and there are thousands of ways to do it without endangering your child and without wasting and disrespecting food. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Is giving children food to use as a toy ever appropriate? Is there a way to do it without sending our toddlers messages we don't want them to absorb? Time Stamps 00:00 Ever question using food as a toy or craft material? (toddler sensory play with oatmeal or rice) 00:11 What is going on with using food as play or craft material, oatmeal and trucks, macaroni necklaces, rainbow rice, etc. 00:29 The problem with creating food based toddler sensory play activities 01:13: Ask this question to determine food is being used appropriately 02:15 More questions to ask yourself about food as a sensory play or craft material Please take a second to hit "like" if you did and "subscribe" so you won't miss any future videos. Miss Julie is a Montessori toddler guide, Montessori teacher trainer, and Advanced ECE professional development trainer in her state. Her passions are toddler communication strategies, a well-prepared toddler environment, growth mindset, and respectful discipline. Also, cheese. Are you a YouTube content creator with a Montessori toddler or preschool focus looking to collaborate? Inquiries can be sent to collabwithmissjulie@gmail.com