Japanese Bento Box meals are an example of careful planning, showcasing food as a sensorial experience and highlighting the tactile and visual aspects of food. In our Montessori classroom, a similar approach is followed – work areas are orderly and accessible, emphasizing color, simplicity, and beauty.
Creating a microwave-friendly, simple, Bento Box-style meal is one of many ideas to help your child make nutritious choices.
Traditionally, the Japanese Bento Box is a lacquered box with compartments for small, stylized portions of nutritious food. Japanese parents now use Bento Box techniques when preparing school lunches for their children.
Take a look at a traditional Bento Box meal:
Here’s an example of a Bento Box meal for children:
Check out some beautiful examples of Bento Boxes here.
Remember, the container should be microwavable. Also, non-breakable containers allow the child to carry, hold, and store their containers independently without the aid of an adult.
Feel free to send a little love note as a reminder to your child that you’re thinking of them 🙂
Here’s a tip: Take a container with small divisions (a divided Tupperware container works great!) and cut bite size sandwiches into attractive shapes with a mini cookie cutter. Add some small grapes or bite size fruit and some steamed veggies on the side.
The art of a Bento meal doesn’t have to be complicated – even the busiest of parents can use dinner leftovers to create a delicious, visually-appealing lunch.
Happy eating!
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