Today the Infants at RisingOaks Early Learning | St. Patrick, felt extra special at snack time. In celebration of Black History Month, our infants explored something simple but meaningful.

Shefali placed small bowls on the table filled with black-eyed peas, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans (chickpeas). The beans were all different, some tiny and speckled, some smooth and red, some round and beige. As they were poured into one big white bowl, they made a soft rattling sound that immediately caught everyone’s attention.

Vihana leaned forward right away, her fingers slowly pressing into the pile. She watched closely as the beans slipped through her hands. Wyatt picked one up carefully, studied it, then dropped it back in with a serious little expression that quickly turned into a smile. Zendaya began swaying in her seat when soft African drum music played in the background. The rhythm seemed to move right through her.

Ramona was curious and confident. She reached in with both hands, letting the beans fall between her fingers again and again. Remy was more cautious at first. He poked at a black-eyed pea with just one finger, then looked up at Shefali, as if checking, “Is this okay?” Once he realized it was, he happily joined in.

Shefali talked gently with the children, naming what they were seeing and feeling. “This one is smooth. This one is small. This one is round.” Even though the infants are still very young, they listened in their own way through touch, eye contact, and quiet focus.

Shefali shared that beans are an important food in many cultures, especially in African and African American communities. For many families, beans have been part of meals for generations. While the children may not fully understand those words yet, they experienced culture in a way that made sense for them through their senses.

As the beans were mixed together, Shefali said, “They all look different, but together they make something special.” The children watched the colorful mix form in the bowl. It was such a simple, clear way to show togetherness.

When it was time to eat, the reactions were just as thoughtful and sweet.

Ramona scooped up a small spoonful and paused before tasting. After a second, she gave a proud little nod as if she approved. Remy squeezed one bean a little too hard and looked surprised when it squished slightly in his fingers then he laughed. Wyatt focused carefully on practicing his self-feeding, determined and steady. Zendaya continued to sway gently as she tasted. Vihana explored slowly, touching first and tasting second.

The diverse dolls placed at the table sat alongside the children, reflecting different skin tones and backgrounds. Some of the infants glanced at them, some patted them gently, and one even tried to “share” a bean. It felt natural and warm, everyone included.

What seemed like a regular snack time turned into a moment full of learning. The children explored texture, practiced fine motor skills, heard new language, experienced music, and connected all at once.

It was calm. It was joyful. It was meaningful.