Conversations over an apple snack

Drop in during snacktime and you might wonder whether you are at Starbucks or the Children's Center.  While munching on crunchy fall apples, the children chatted away.  Topic ranged from plans for the weekend, to family members, to the characteristics of the apples themselves. 

The Tel Aviv teachers have arranged snacktime to create an opportunity for this small group conversation to take place.  A small round table is set with a few chairs, a basket of fruit, and all the supplies children will need to serve themselves.  A few at a time, they gather at the table, arrange their snack, and the conversation begins.  Because there are only a few children at a time, snack is a relaxed affair and each child gets plenty of time to talk, as well as just the right amount of time to practice listening to his or her peers.