The Table Setting activity is part of the Practical Life area in a Montessori classroom, aiming to teach children about the social skills, manners, and responsibility associated with meal times, while also enhancing their motor skills and sense of order.
Materials: The materials for this activity include a child-sized table and chair, a placemat, a plate, a bowl, a set of cutlery (fork, spoon, knife, if age-appropriate), a glass or cup, and a napkin. You might also include other items that are often used in your cultural context, such as a bread plate or chopsticks. These materials should be real and of good quality to show respect for the child and their work.
Procedure: The teacher or guide first demonstrates the process of setting the table. They show the child where each item goes according to the cultural etiquette – typically the plate in the center of the placemat, the fork to the left of the plate, the knife and spoon to the right, the glass above the knife and spoon, and the napkin to the left of the fork or on the plate.
After the demonstration, the child is invited to set the table themselves. They can practice this before each mealtime, reinforcing the skill through repetition and real-world application.
Purpose: The main goals of the Table Setting activity are:
- Motor Skills Development: It aids in the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as the child must handle and place the items carefully.
- Concentration and Order: It enhances concentration and promotes a sense of order, as the child needs to remember and follow the correct placement for each item.
- Social Skills and Independence: It teaches important social skills and manners associated with meal times, and fosters independence as children are able to contribute to mealtime preparation.
Extensions: The activity can be extended by teaching the child how to set the table for more complex meals, involving more items (like dessert spoons or a variety of glasses). Another extension could be role-playing a mealtime situation, where the child practices not only setting the table, but also serving food and practicing polite table manners. The child could also learn to clear the table and wash the dishes after the meal, developing a full cycle of activity.
