Eating Lunch in the Cafeteria

Today is Tuesday, and it is time for lunch in the cafeteria. I walk into the big room with my class. The cafeteria is bright and full of sounds—children talking, trays clinking, and chairs scraping. I can see long tables where kids are sitting and eating together. Ms. Nguyen told me that the cafeteria is supposed to be a little noisy because many children are eating at the same time, so I know the loud sounds are normal.

Ms. Nguyen shows me where to go. First, I get in line at the lunch counter because I need to pick up my lunch tray. The lunch helpers put food on my tray—a sandwich, some carrots, an apple, and a juice box. Getting my food first helps me know what I will eat today, so I feel ready and less worried about what comes next.

After I get my tray, I find a place to sit at one of the tables. I see my friend Kai sitting with two other children. I ask if I can sit with them, and they say yes. Sitting with friends helps me feel safe because I know they will talk to me and I am not eating alone.

While I eat, I listen to the sounds around me. I hear children talking and laughing. Sometimes the sounds are loud, but I have a way to help myself feel calm. When the noise feels too much, I squeeze my napkin tightly for 3 seconds, then let it go slowly. I do this 2 times, and it helps my body relax. The cafeteria is supposed to be a little noisy because lots of people are here, and that is okay.

I eat my sandwich, carrots, and apple slowly because taking time to eat helps my body digest the food so I can get energy from it. I drink my juice box too. Eating a good lunch gives me energy to play and learn for the rest of the school day, so I feel strong and ready.

When I finish eating, I put my tray on the return counter because the lunch helpers need to clean up the trays. I wipe my hands and mouth with a napkin. Then I line up with my class to go back to the classroom. Lunchtime is over, but I did a good job eating in the cafeteria today.

As I walk back to the classroom with my class, I think about lunch. I sat with friends, ate good food, and listened to all the sounds around me. I used my napkin squeezing trick when the noise felt loud, and it helped me stay calm. Tomorrow I will eat lunch in the cafeteria again, and I know what to do. I am ready for the afternoon.