According to the National Network for Child Care (NNCC,) preschool children are at a stage where singing songs and dancing are popular activities. Even the 3-year-olds are capable of making up their own songs. An advantage to a song or a dance, especially one that is specifically about lunch, or food, is that they are activities that can fill the time when the kids are waiting in line for lunch, and it keeps the kids in one place and the attention on the caregiver.
If the preschoolers are walking to lunch, or standing and waiting for lunch, then a caregiver can fill the time through simple physical games. According to the NNCC, 4-year-olds are typically able to stand on one foot for five seconds, so physical games can entertain the children during the transition period. In one such game, the caregiver shouts out instructions to the kids that they can do while walking and standing in line. Examples include a bunny hop, a wiggle or an impression of a teapot.
Stories are another activity for a caregiver that can keep the children's attention during a boring transition period. A calming, yet fascinating story can rivet preschoolers to their seats, and quiet them down until lunch is ready. The caregiver can also tell the story while the kids walk to lunch, if necessary.
Putting away toys is a practical lesson for kids in the future, and also helps the caregiver to straighten up a classroom for the activities that follow lunch. All the kids should know where the toys go, and the cleaning up also acts as a signal that an enjoyable time -- namely lunch -- is coming. The caregiver can also prepare the kids for the end of a playtime session by mentioning cleanup time is coming in five minutes, so as not to abruptly interrupt their play. A cleanup song and dance can also ease the transition, and get everyone's attention for lunch.