Setting a Table

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Setting a Table
Practical Life - Care of the Environment
Setting a Table 9.JPG
LevelPrimary
Age3 - 5
Materialsplace mat
plate
glass
fork
tea spoon
butter knife
cloth napkin
tray

This activity teaches the child how to lay out a place setting.

Presentation

  1. Carry the tray to a table. Place it above or to the side of where you will be laying out the place setting.
    Setting a Table 1.JPG
  2. Unroll the place mat.
    Setting a Table 2.JPG
  3. Put the plate in the middle of the place mat towards the bottom.
    Setting a Table 3.JPG
  4. Place the napkin to the left of the plate.
    Setting a Table 4.JPG
  5. Place the fork on top of the napkin.
    Setting a Table 5.JPG
  6. Place the knife to the right of the plate with the cutting edge towards the plate.
    Setting a Table 6.JPG
  7. Place the spoon to the right of the knife.
    Setting a Table 7.JPG
  8. Place the glass to the upper right of the plate.
    Setting a Table 8.JPG
  9. Remove the tray if the place setting will be used. Otherwise, return the items to the tray.
    Setting a Table 9.JPG

Points of Interest

  • Students will learn how to set the table and be able to help out during set up for lunch

Control of Error

  • A diagram of a place setting could be taped inside the tray.
  • A special place mat with the items used embroidered or drawn on could be used for a younger child.

Variations and Extensions

  • Ideally, after a few of the children have had this lesson, they will take over the setting of tables for lunch.
  • Fancy napkin folds could be taught. The napkin would then be placed on the plate instead of under the fork.
  • A napkin ring could be used. The napkin would then be placed on the plate instead of under the fork.
  • A bread plate could be added. It would go to the upper left of the plate.

Further Reading