Teacher Amy: Would you like to try the dry tangerine?
Amalia: I don’t want to. I don’t like sour.
Jelani: I do, I do! (He takes one and tastes it) Oooo! It’s sour…and crunchy. (his face scrunches up) It’s so good. Can I have more? (He eats another) Yum!
Amalia (watching Jelani’s reaction): Can I have one? (She takes a tangerine and tries a small bite. Her face scrunches up) I don’t like it, it’s too sour.
Jelani: Can I eat it?
Through this experience children are stepping out of their food comfort zones and trying flavors, sometimes to their happy surprise and sometimes to confirm already held preferences. I am regularly seeing children bravely trying new things because of the willingness and excitement generated by their peers. -Amy
