• Menu
  • Skip to left header navigation
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Keeper of the Home retina logo

Naturally inspired living for homemakers

  • About
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Search
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Homemaking
  • Family
  • Natural Living
  • Homemade & DIY
  • Natural Remedies
  • Real Food
  • Recipes
  • Join Our Community
  • Resources
  • Disclosure
  • Sitemap
  • Homemaking
  • Family
  • Natural Living
  • Homemade & DIY
  • Natural Remedies
  • Real Food
  • Recipes
You are here: Home » Blog » Family Life » A Back-to-School Change for our Family & How I’m Getting Ready for School Lunches (plus Cinnamon-Raisin Quick Bread)
A Back-to-School Change for our Family & How I'm Getting Ready for School Lunches (plus Cinnamon-Raisin Quick Bread) 9

A Back-to-School Change for our Family & How I’m Getting Ready for School Lunches (plus Cinnamon-Raisin Quick Bread)

September 4, 2014     Keeper of the Home    7 Comments

A Back-to-School Change for our Family & How I'm Getting Ready for School Lunches (plus Cinnamon-Raisin Quick Bread)The school year is upon us. And didn’t it happen so;fast?;Where did the summer go?;

For our family, this is a novel year.

We’re trying out a special program, just for homeschoolers in our area. It’s called Innovations, and it means that our two biggest (Abbie, 9 1/2 and Caden, 7 years old) will be attending “school” twice a week.;

In a nutshell, the program functions sort of like small one-room schoolhouse, with a max of 16 kids per class and one teacher. Each child is guided along in interest-driven, “lifestyle of learning” type projects according to their own skill level, current interests, parent’s goals, etc. They’ll do research, create models or structures, put together presentations for their classmates, write reports, code programs, start businesses, make masterpieces and much more. Sometimes the teacher will find ways to help students collaborate. Other times they’ll be on their own, but alongside other children of mixed ages (Gr.1 right up into high school).;

It’s an experiment for us, really. They’ll have two full days a week in class, then three days home.

For the past five years, we’ve never had the children in any sort of classroom except for a few brief co-op stints, but since we love the model of the classroom (both the lack of structured curriculum, the interest-driven learning, and the multi-age format together with siblings), we’re excited to give it a try.;Johanna will still be 100% at home for Kindergarten, along with the toddler, Kepler

So not only will this shake up our traditional home educating approach, but it means that for the first time ever I’ll be making school lunches. I have to confess — it feels a bit bizarre! I’m so used to simply cleaning out the leftovers, making smoothies or sandwiches, setting out fresh fruits and veggies from the fridge, or just scrambling up a pan of eggs.;

square stuff inside caden's lunchkit

Since we’ve known that the children would be enrolled in this classroom for about a month now, I’ve begun to stock up and prepare with bags, containers, bottles, and all the things that will make lunches easier.;

One of my main goals is to keep the waste as minimal as possible. I’m aiming to have a nice collection of reusable bags and containers of various types and sizes, so that we can avoid having to use baggies, plastic wrap, or one-time containers that ultimately end up in the garbage.

My primary reason is because I like to tread lightly and make eco-friendly choices whenever possible, and teach my kids to do the same. A secondary reason is to save money by not buying disposable items. It can make a big difference over the course of a year!

Since we’re new to this whole school lunch thing, I’m just beginning to get stocked up on what we need, but here’s what we’ve got so far:

reusable bags and napkins

I picked up these awesome Planet Wise sandwich bags and snack bags when they went on discount at Nicki’s Diapers. Usually around $6 each, I picked them all up on 50% off, so $2.99 plus free shipping. I did check and there are a few left (click SALE then “Closeout sales!”).

The flowered napkins in the front are just cloth napkins that we’ve had for ages, but I figure they’re just fine to send along with them instead of napkins or paper towels. I might see if I can find something a little less flowery, though, for Caden. I’m thinking he might appreciate that (“awww, Mom! Girly napkins, again?”).

containers and ice packs

These are some of the containers and ice packs I have so far. The awesome green collapsible container and the cute green ice packs came from Sweetbottoms Baby. I’ve got plenty of mason jars and they’re always handy for food. The blue ice packs and green-lidded plastic containers are just from a local store, and will do until I can get my hands on something else.

Ideally, I’d like to buy some stainless steel containers with lids rather than use plastic. I’m eyeing ones like these or these. I’d also like to get a stainless steel thermos so that the kids can bring a warm dish like soup in the winter.

water bottles

For drinks, we’ll stick with stainless steel water bottles (several Kleen Kanteen, one Eco Vessel, one Safe Sporter, etc.). We have lots in our home, this is just a sampling. Our kids mostly drink water and milk anyways (other than smoothies or if I make a special drink on occasion), so no need to buy juice boxes and certainly no need for buying bottles of water.

A Back-to-School Change for our Family & How I'm Getting Ready for School Lunches (plus Cinnamon-Raisin Quick Bread)

Finding school lunch inspiration

One book that has inspired me is Lisa Leake’s new one, 100 Days of Real Food: How We Did It, What We Learned, and 100 Easy, Wholesome Recipes Your Family Will Love.

You may know her from the popular website, also called 100 Days of Real Food. She shares a lot about making healthy, real food lunches for kids, how to pack them, tips for what to put in them, and more.

In her new cookbook, she also gives some fantastic recipes, packing ideas, and then a really useful chart for how to put together school lunches. She suggests that you combine a main dish (usually has protein) with a produce item (fruit or veg) with a snack (often nuts or whole grains), and a whole bunch of ideas to choose from to make your own mix-and-match combinations. I think her chart will really help to take some of the thinking out of lunch prep!

Cinnamon Raisen Quick Bread2
Image by Carrie Vitt

Here is one of Lisa’s many school lunch examples – and below is the recipe for the Cinnamon-Raisin Quick Bread (used with permission from her book) that you see made into a sandwich with cream cheese in this lunch example. I know my kids will love this and her recommendation to use it for french toast sounds amazing.

Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread Recipe

I know that many you are still in the early part of your journey into eating real food as a family (which is awesome, by the way — I am a huge fan of making slow and steady changes, and I am so happy that you’re here!).

Believe me when I say I’ve read a LOT of healthy recipe books over the past 10 years, and 100 Days of Real Food stands out clearly as one of the best, and has definitely become a new go-to recommendation for me to those who need a starting place. She walks you through all of the concepts and important information, offers a ton of tips for making it easier to eat real food instead of processed or convenience foods, and then offers 100 recipes to help you make it happen.

One of my favorite things about Lisa’s approach to food is that it’s very simple, unfussy and family-friendly. She uses shortcuts (that still fit within her real food “rules”) to make things easier and faster. I even found a delicious homemade tomato sauce recipe that was perfect for using up the oodles of fresh tomatoes coming out of my garden last week, and it was such a quick and simple way to preserve them for the winter, without canning them.

Looking for more back-to-school recipes inspiration? Check these out:

  • Healthy Back-to-School Lunches Made Easy!
  • 25 Oatmeal Recipes Perfect for Back-to-School
  • The Busy Mom’s Guide to Quick, Easy & Healthy Back-to-School Breakfasts
  • 5 Tips for Planning Healthy Lunches Kids Love
  • Tips for School Lunchtime Success

How do you do school lunches? I’d love to know which containers you like best, and what foods or combinations work best for your kids!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Share this post:

Share on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on PinterestShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit

Category: Family Life, Homemaking, Natural Living, Real Food

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Get our latest posts, right to your inbox.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

{No spam, ever.}

You May Also Like

  • Healthy Back-to-School Lunches Made Easy! 10
    Healthy Back-to-School Lunches Made Easy!
  • 5 Tips for Planning Healthy Lunches Kids Love! 3
    5 Tips for Planning Healthy Lunches Kids Love!
  • What's in healthy convenience food? This post is an eye opener!
    What's in That "Healthy" Convenience Food?
  • Conversation: Balancing Healthy Food and Real Life 1
    Conversation: Balancing Healthy Food and Real Life
  • 4 Sure-Fire Tips to Help Picky Eaters Actually Eat That Healthy School Lunch 4
    How to Help Picky Eaters Eat Healthy School Lunches
  • Raising healthy eaters- What eating healthy is and isn't
Previous Post: « A Totally Overwhelmed Day In The Life: Jessica {Mom of three: 5, 3, and 2-week-old}
Next Post: A Day in the Life: Andrea {Stay-at-Home Mom to Teenagers} A Day in the Life: Andrea {Stay-at-Home Mom to Teenagers} 8»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kellie

    September 4, 2014 at 5:07 AM

    One thing I am amazed at is how many pieces of silverware my kids have lost at school. I guess they just get distracted and accidentally throw them out. I do feel bad that it’s unnecessary trash, but figure it’s still better (and cheaper) than buying plastic utensils. I bought dollar sets of spoons and forks at Walmart, but they went through those pretty quickly, so when we moved my dad into an assisted living home and my sister was getting ready to donate all his mismatched silverware, I quickly volunteered to take them. 🙂 I’m guessing garage sales would be a great place to find cheap silverware too.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Langford

      September 5, 2014 at 11:27 AM

      I totally believe that! Even though we don’t take dishes out often, we’re still perpetually losing silverware, particularly small spoons, for whatever reason. I’m thinking of going to a thrift store and stocking up on a bunch of silverware that I don’t mind if it gets lost.

      Reply
  2. Jennifer A

    September 4, 2014 at 8:13 AM

    I love the idea of Innovations, sounds like it will be a lot of fun! We do Classical Conversations, so I have to pack lunches once a week, and I have always struggled with it because we don’t use paper products in our kitchen. And I perpetually forget some aspect of the meal, like drinks. Hopefully, I’ll get better this year. The saying is fifth year’s a charm, right?

    Reply
    • Stephanie Langford

      September 5, 2014 at 11:26 AM

      Oh yes, definitely 5th is a charm. 😉 My struggle might not be lunches but I think it will be getting them to school on time. Homeschooling for five years has me pretty set in my leisurely morning ways!

      Reply
  3. Karen

    September 4, 2014 at 10:18 AM

    Thanks for sharing about the sale at Nicki’s Diapers! I’ve been needing reusable snack size bags!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Langford

      September 5, 2014 at 11:25 AM

      You’re welcome, I hope you were able to snag a few!

      Reply
  4. Lucy

    September 5, 2014 at 11:24 AM

    For the stainless steel water bottles, I really recommend the unpainted ones — meaning, the ones that are silver on the outside. The painted ones chip and scratch, especially with heavy use by kids, and then they look kind of crummy. Maybe if your kids wanted them less plain they could decorate with stickers you could also boil or scrape off when those get dingy?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.
Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Sign Up Now

Get our latest posts, right to your inbox.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

{No spam, ever.}

Popular Posts

How to Make Your Own Natural Makeup #DIYFriday (with Video) 11

How to Make Your Own Natural Makeup (with Video)

How to Make Your Own Natural Makeup (with Video)
12 Simple Homemade Spice Mixes 9

12 Simple Homemade Spice Mixes

12 Simple Homemade Spice Mixes
Dry feet are no fun! When skin on your feet becomes dry, it often causes itchiness, cracking, and even bleeding. But, never fear, this luxurious lotion will keep your feet soft and supple all winter. The oils and butters in this DIY foot lotion are highly moisturizing and nourishing to the skin. It's designed for the feet, but can be used on dry, cracked elbows and knees.

DIY All-Natural Lotion to Cure Dry Feet

DIY All-Natural Lotion to Cure Dry Feet
10 Truths You Need to Hear When You Feel Like a Failure as a Mom 3

10 Truths You Need to Hear When You Feel Like a Failure as a Mom

10 Truths You Need to Hear When You Feel Like a Failure as a Mom
10 Questions for Expectant Moms to Ask BEFORE the Third Trimester 2

10 Questions for Expectant Moms to Ask BEFORE the Third Trimester

10 Questions for Expectant Moms to Ask BEFORE the Third Trimester
The Ultimate Guide to Homemade All-Natural Cleaning Recipes 10

The Ultimate Guide to Homemade All-Natural Cleaning Recipes

The Ultimate Guide to Homemade All-Natural Cleaning Recipes
  • Join Our Community
  • Resources
  • Disclosure
  • Sitemap

Site Footer

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2022 Keeper of the Home · All Rights Reserved · Privacy · Sitemap · Powered by Spears Marketing