Crunch & Sip at Discover My World: Supporting Healthy Habits in Our Transition to School Program

As our preschoolers prepare for the big leap into primary school, Discover My World has introduced an important (and delicious!) initiative into our Transition to School program throughout October and November – Crunch & Sip.

What is Crunch & Sip?

Crunch & Sip is a NSW Health initiative designed to give children a set time each day to refuel with fresh fruit or vegetables (“crunch”) and rehydrate with water (“sip”). It’s a simple but powerful way to:

• Boost energy and concentration.

• Encourage lifelong healthy eating habits.

• Support children to make smart food choices.

• Align with the healthy eating guidelines promoted in schools across NSW.

In fact, many local primary schools already include a Crunch & Sip break in their daily routine, which makes this the perfect practice for our little ones as they get school-ready.

Why It Matters for School Readiness

Starting “big school” isn’t just about learning ABCs and 123s, it’s also about developing independence, healthy routines, and confidence. By introducing Crunch & Sip now, our children will:

• Build familiarity with a routine they’ll experience in primary school.

• Take ownership of preparing their fruit and water bottle each day.

• Learn responsibility by unpacking and managing their own snacks.

• Strengthen social connections as they share this daily pause with peers.

It’s one more way we bridge the gap between early learning and school life, setting children up for success in both learning and wellbeing.

How DMW Incorporates Crunch & Sip

From October through November, our preschool rooms will weave Crunch & Sip into the morning routine:

• Families are encouraged to pack one piece of fruit or vegetable (cut and ready for little fingers).

• Children will have their own labelled water bottles available throughout the day.

• Educators will guide discussions about healthy food, hydration, and looking after our bodies.

• We’ll link Crunch & Sip to our EYLF outcomes, such as promoting wellbeing, fostering independence, and encouraging children to make choices that support a healthy lifestyle.

Of course, in true DMW spirit, this won’t be a silent snack break! Expect conversations, curiosity, and even a little playful learning – from counting apple slices to talking about where veggies come from.

Partnering with Families

We know these habits stick best when families and educators work together. To support this, we’ll share ideas for quick and easy Crunch & Sip snacks, highlight family favourites on Kinderloop, and celebrate the small wins when children try something new (carrot sticks today, maybe cucumber tomorrow!).

A Healthy Step Toward Big School

By embedding Crunch & Sip into our Transition to School program, we’re doing more than filling tummies – we’re filling our children with the skills, confidence, and healthy habits they need to thrive.

At Discover My World, we’re proud to take part in this initiative, knowing it’s one more way we are preparing our little learners for the exciting school journey ahead.