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Daycare Menus, Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Ideas>Kids Plates & Cups - Each Own Color
bzmommy 03:44 PM 04-10-2012
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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Blackcat31 04:04 PM 04-10-2012
Welcome to the forum

Your status has been upgraded soyou can post freely now
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Michael 04:13 PM 04-10-2012
Welcome to the Daycare.com Forum! Your IP says your 10 miles from where I live. Hey neighbor.
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bzmommy 04:15 PM 04-10-2012
Thank you Michael!
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renodeb 08:52 AM 04-11-2012
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!
Debbie
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Rachel 10:54 AM 04-11-2012
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).
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bzmommy 09:25 PM 04-11-2012
Originally Posted by Rachel:
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).
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.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 05:07 AM 04-12-2012
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).
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Blackcat31 06:15 AM 04-12-2012
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.
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MarinaVanessa 06:38 AM 04-12-2012
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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Unregistered 09:00 AM 04-12-2012
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 world
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bzmommy 09:02 AM 04-12-2012
oops, I did not log in before I just posted. Michael, it was bzmommy that replied saying that I live in Coarsegold.
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Rachel 04:25 AM 04-15-2012
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
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.
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.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 08:18 AM 04-15-2012
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
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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Blackcat31 08:32 AM 04-15-2012
Originally Posted by Rachel:
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.
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.

Originally Posted by LCLC:
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 ___!"
I didn't mean that I wouldn't be able to remember who has what color, I meant for the table setter to remember.

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.
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Jenniferdawn 09:16 AM 04-15-2012
I use the Ikea color system too. It works GREAT for us. The kids feel special that they have a certain color and their name tags by their coat hooks are the same color as well as their tags on their cubbies. We also have a helper chart where each child gets to help with a certain "chore" like watering the kids garden, being assistant chef to me, or getting to pick out the book for story time. The kids go to the picture job chart and they know what job is theirs because of the color that is placed next to it. It works great. I'm thinking about investing in colored blankets for nap time too...
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KDC 07:26 AM 04-16-2012
I have each family bring a sippy cup at the beginning of the 'school' year. Every August I request a new cup. They carefully choose it and it's their cup for daycare. It gets put in the dishwasher, and washed out before every meal/snack. With 8 hands reaching up, regular cups spill often and I would spend about 1/2 hour a day cleaning up spilled milk, juice, water, etc. Cups stay in the kitchen!!

I haven't had duplicates yet (surprisingly!) and they all know which cup is theirs (and which cups are their friends). Typically by 15 months they know who's cup is who's.

For plates, I have different colors (some duplicates). I do this for allergy reasons, The yellow plates are peanut free, dishwashers can only do so much. I found these great plates at our local Jewel years ago, and I love them... but can't find them anymore. They have everything sectioned off, and a dipping spot at the top.
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themoorethemerrier 03:11 PM 04-24-2012
The cups used to be our problem because I couldn't keep them separated with colors - I have 4 kids of my own and then I'm licensed to have up to 14.

I have 6 oz glasses; on each cup I placed wide produce rubber bands (blank side out) and using a ball point pen to label their names on each. Not only did they keep them straight, but the rubber band served as a grip. We have so much less spillage now!!!
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Countrygal 05:16 PM 04-24-2012
Originally Posted by themoorethemerrier:
The cups used to be our problem because I couldn't keep them separated with colors - I have 4 kids of my own and then I'm licensed to have up to 14.

I have 6 oz glasses; on each cup I placed wide produce rubber bands (blank side out) and using a ball point pen to label their names on each. Not only did they keep them straight, but the rubber band served as a grip. We have so much less spillage now!!!
That's a neat idea!
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MsKitten 09:57 AM 05-23-2012
This is an Idea I grew up on but have forgotten about!! Im so glad you posted this!

Also I just wanted to give a shout out... I just moved back to my home state (Back to the South) From Southern CA! How neat that there are so many of you here from CA. It sure is beautiful there!
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Heidi 10:46 AM 05-23-2012
I love to pretend to "forget" which cup belongs to which child, or "accidently" give someone the wrong cup. The kids get a kick out of being smarter than me!
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Countrygal 01:15 PM 05-23-2012
Heidi, where did you get enough different colored plates/cups? I got some at WM, but there were only four colors.....

And, of course, we live nowhere near an IKEA and can't order the plates or silverware. :P
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texascare 08:02 AM 05-29-2012
I use Walmart plastic sectional plates. Over the past couple of years I have been able to get all different colors. The only ones that are the same are green, but one is a bright green and the other a dark so the kids can tell them apart. I use Ikea silverware and each child has a matching color cup, but I love the rubberband idea! When a child enrolls I automaticly give them a "color". It teaches them matching, and colors. It also gives them a since of ownership as well. Also each child sits in the same spot each day at the table. Just like they have their own playpens. They walk to the table and stand at it and I put them in their booster seat. I am licensed for 12 but only keep 6 so it works out well for me!!
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adoreachild 03:06 AM 01-02-2013
It will be better if you will write their names or paste their photos on their cups, so that they will hold only those one which will have their photos. Or you can arrange according to their favorite colors also.
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Kaddidle Care 03:26 AM 01-02-2013
I use sharpie markers to write names on things. It will wash off eventually or if you want it to just scrub. It's also a good way for the children to start recognising their own names.

With the kids I've dealt with all the Princesses would have wanted the pink and it would be a disaster. Be thankful you have easy going kids that love their colors!
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CozyHome 06:01 PM 01-02-2013
My dckids all have their own cups that they use every day. We travel a lot so when we're out and about they can pick their own cups out of the box I pack in the stroller to hold them whenever they need a drink. The same goes for in the house and all summer I keep their cups full of water so they can go to the dining room table for a drink when they are thirsty.

I use the colourful Ikea plates and bowls because I learn over time which kid eats what and I can load up their plates accordingly when I'm serving the food. I started this system so I don't end up with as much food in the garbage.
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williams2008 08:23 AM 01-03-2013
I love this idea and would love to use this method, but as of now all the kids bring their own cup from home. I made labels and put their name on them to help me out.

For plates I use the 3 section plates I had bought from Walmart. I would love to use the IKEA system, but the nearest store from me is like 5 hours away
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Rachel 01:58 AM 01-04-2013
Williams, that stinks. I love Ikea :-)

Their new stuff is even better. The plates are bigger and they have a rim around them. They have purple now too :-)
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williams2008 04:30 AM 01-04-2013
Originally Posted by Rachel:
Williams, that stinks. I love Ikea :-)

Their new stuff is even better. The plates are bigger and they have a rim around them. They have purple now too :-)
Me too, I'm always on their site looking for things to buy. I have my shopping list saved just in case I get a chance to visit one of their stores!!!
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melilley 12:31 PM 01-04-2013
Thanks ladies! I looked on Ikea and love the products you were talking about! Too bad they won't ship those items!
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Blackcat31 01:15 PM 01-04-2013
Munchkin offers sets in 5 different colors. VERY inexpensive and cute too!

Here are the links to each set.
bowls
http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Pack-...7334030&sr=1-4
plates
http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Pack-...7334106&sr=1-6
cups
http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-40300...7334135&sr=1-6
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melilley 01:32 PM 01-04-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Munchkin offers sets in 5 different colors. VERY inexpensive and cute too!

Here are the links to each set.
bowls
http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Pack-...7334030&sr=1-4
plates
http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Pack-...7334106&sr=1-6
cups
http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-40300...7334135&sr=1-6
Thanks! Duh, I have the bowls for my son..lol I haven't seen the cups or plates in stores.
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canadiancare 04:35 AM 04-16-2013
Each child here has a specific bib colour and plate, bowl and cup to match. I got mine from the supermarket as part of a picnic set last year. I had to buy 2 sets to get all the colours covered but it was still inexpensive.
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LoraJenkins 05:21 PM 06-16-2013
Originally Posted by melilley:
Thanks ladies! I looked on Ikea and love the products you were talking about! Too bad they won't ship those items!
I know this is an old post but I have to reply. Amazon sells the IKEA sets!!!! I just ordered 3 sets a couple of months ago and I L...O...V...E... them! Everyone has a color & knows theirs. They are HIGH quality even through the dishwasher no issues!!
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AmyKidsCo 01:07 PM 06-17-2013
I use the IKEA dishes too, but not the silverware. I have 4 sets so even when I have to double up colors there's enough for 2 meals. The kids definitely tell me when I space out and give someone the wrong color, and they have no problem remembering who gets what when they set the table. We switch colors and seats every year or so, so no-one gets too attached to a specific color or spot.
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MarinaVanessa 03:52 PM 06-17-2013
Originally Posted by bzmommy:
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.
This is exactly what I do. I go a bit further and match their cups, plates, bowls and utensils with their cubby color and a matching blanket. The kids love it and we all always get a kick out of when I "forget" who has which color and get the colors mixed up. Then they all switch everything around until they have their own colors back again. It's great when my sister or DH actually does mix up a cup and they have a 2yo correct them and tell them which color is theirs.
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Nebula 11:11 AM 06-19-2013
Originally Posted by Rachel:
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).
I just discovered IKEA about a month ago! That was the first thing I snatched up in the children's section.. the plates, bowls, cups, and flatware!
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misslori50 02:43 PM 08-20-2013
you could also use vinyl to actually put their names on the cups and plates. The vinyl they use for outside will go through the dishwasher no problem.
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