Setting a Table

Setting a Table
Practical Life - Care of the Environment
Level	Primary
Age	3 - 5
Materials	place 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. Place the place mat.

   

2. Put the plate in the middle of the place mat towards the bottom.

   

3. Place the napkin to the left of the plate.

   

4. Place the fork on top of the napkin.

   

5. Place the knife to the right of the plate with the cutting edge towards the plate.

   

6. Place the spoon to the right of the knife.

   

7. Place the glass to the upper right of the plate.

   

8. Remove the tray if the place setting will be used. Otherwise, return the items to the tray.

   

Points of Interest

• Students will learn how to set the table and be able to help 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

• Teaching Montessori in the Home: The Pre-School Years by Elizabeth G. Hainstock, page 29
• Teach Me to Do It Myself by Maja Pitamic, pages 30-31