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Do you have problems with kids drinking out of each others cups or not know who's cup is who's? It used to drive me crazy. I couldn't remember who's drink was who's. For the last few years I have used this practice: Each child has their own color. Mind you, I am only licensed for 6 so this works for me. I buy microwavable and dishwasher safe plates, utensils and cups and each child has their own color. Johnny always has green, Suzie always has orange, etc. This kids love it. I know who's is whos and it gives them a sense of ownership which they really don't have with anything else in daycare. It is also a great way to incorporate learning about colors.
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Welcome to the Daycare.com Forum! Your IP says your 10 miles from where I live. Hey neighbor.Comment
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Thank you Michael!Comment
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That is a great method. What plates and cups do you use? I was thinking of going back to that method but havent been able to find cups and plates with enough colors. I to am licensed for 6. The only cups Ive been able to find are those take and toss ones but the kids can get the lids off to easily!
DebbieComment
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I use the sets from Ikea. I only have 5 regular kids, and I can get a 6th as a sub. I love each one having their own and the kids love it too. I use the silverware also, although it does need to be replaced every so often it's cheap (haven't had to replace the cups, plates, or bowls, just the silverware).Comment
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I love the IKEA plastic silverware! It is the only kind on the market that have fork tines sharp enough to actually pierce the food! So yes, I use the IKEA silverware. I like the plastic plates with separators for the foods. I get those at Target. I buy the bowels at Target too. I buy the take n toss cups for the ones that don't chew on the ends, and regular playtex sippies for the younger ones. Note: i care for kids b/w 1-4 year old. The only thing about the IKEA silverware, they don't have purple so my purple Kid uses blue silverware, no big deal.Comment
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I do this. But, I have more than 6 so one of mine (at the OPPOSITE end of the table, since they have assigned seats) gets the same color. Works very well!
For breakfast foods & all drinks, I use the Ikea items. For lunch, I use separated plates (all in the same color).Comment
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Whew! That seems like a lot of work to separate and remember who has what color, but if it works for you...then awesome!
I use only paper products, plates, cups and bowls.
I have the same silverware for all ages (it is smaller) but everyone gets the same.
....and I use no sippy cups at all. Everyone uses a regular unlidded cup at my house.Comment
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I use the same method as you bzmommy. I'm also a small FCC so 6 colors works for me too. I also get the plates, bowls, cups and utencils from Ikea. They're dirt cheap and come in 6 colors. Keeping track of who has what color isn't hard for me since each color matches the child's cubby color. I have several sets of everything to last me all day and then at the end of the day I wash everything in one dishwasher load.
PS If you are Michaels neighbor then so am I ... sort of. I'm in Ventura
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I live in Coarsegold about 20 miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite. Michael, are you in the foothills too?
I lived in Ventura from 88-93 - small worldComment
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oops, I did not log in before I just posted. Michael, it was bzmommy that replied saying that I live in Coarsegold.Comment
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We're not allowed to use disposable, by regulation. When I start with a new group in the fall, I write down which kid for which color, but after a week or so I just remember who gets what.Whew! That seems like a lot of work to separate and remember who has what color, but if it works for you...then awesome!
I use only paper products, plates, cups and bowls.
I have the same silverware for all ages (it is smaller) but everyone gets the same.
....and I use no sippy cups at all. Everyone uses a regular unlidded cup at my house.Comment
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:Whew! That seems like a lot of work to separate and remember who has what color, but if it works for you...then awesome!
I use only paper products, plates, cups and bowls.
I have the same silverware for all ages (it is smaller) but everyone gets the same.
....and I use no sippy cups at all. Everyone uses a regular unlidded cup at my house.
: I don't have a great memory, but it really isn't hard. Each child has an assigned seat at the table. I assigned colors in rainbow order and just went around the table. So, if I ever forget which child is which color I just set it down in the correct spot and all is well. Or, the child WILL remind you. They'll also let you know that it's strange to give two people the same color (since I have more children, I have to do this). "Why she have pink?!? ___ has pink, not ___!" ::
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That is a bummer that you aren't allowed to use disposables. We do it here for a couple reasons, I think it is more sanitary and we recycle EVERYTHING possible so using disposable saves us soap and water and time.
I didn't mean that I wouldn't be able to remember who has what color, I meant for the table setter to remember.:: I don't have a great memory, but it really isn't hard. Each child has an assigned seat at the table. I assigned colors in rainbow order and just went around the table. So, if I ever forget which child is which color I just set it down in the correct spot and all is well. Or, the child WILL remind you. They'll also let you know that it's strange to give two people the same color (since I have more children, I have to do this). "Why she have pink?!? ___ has pink, not ___!" ::
For meals and snacks, I don't set the table or prepare the place settings. The kids take turns being the table setters and they all serve themselves.
We also do not have any type of assigned seating. The children are free to sit where they choose as our meal times are part of our daily socialization curriculum and learning.Comment
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