Below we feature a comprehensive approach to managing mealtimes in childcare settings, highlighted by an innovative video documentation technique. This method, initiated by Matt after observing positive results from grouping children at mealtimes, involves the strategic placement of four GoPro cameras on tripods behind each highchair in a group of four infants. These cameras, equipped with wide-angle lenses, are aimed to capture the child directly opposite while also including the adjacent children in the frame.
The process begins with the filming of the children as they are seated in their highchairs, ensuring minimal adult presence to maintain a natural environment. Recording continues until the last child leaves the highchair. The captured footage is then synchronized and edited using Adobe Premier Rush, allowing for a uniform start time across all cameras. This technique proves invaluable for analyzing interactions and reactions from multiple angles, offering a comprehensive view of the children’s mealtime experiences.
An additional benefit, as highlighted by Matt, is the improved efficiency for educators. With children grouped together, educators find more time for other tasks, as the need for one-on-one feeding and supervision is significantly reduced. Our website includes video excerpts to demonstrate these benefits, providing a practical and effective strategy for childcare providers to enhance mealtime management and overall childcare quality.