Setting the Table

Setting the table is daily, real work that the child can do as a gift to the community. The positions carry centuries of convention, and a wrongly-placed knife is a visible break from tradition.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Care of Environment
• Level: Ages 5-6

Objectives

• Set a place setting correctly (plate, napkin, fork, knife, spoon, cup)
• Understand the purpose of each utensil's position
• Contribute to the community meal
• Develop aesthetic sense for a pleasing table

Materials

• Child-sized table settings (one per child)
• Placemat or table runner
• Small vase or centerpiece

Instructions

1. Place a placemat at each seat. 2. Center the dinner plate on the placemat. 3. Fold a napkin and place it to the left of the plate (or on the plate). 4. Place the fork to the left of the plate, tines up. 5. Place the knife to the right of the plate, blade facing the plate. 6. Place the spoon to the right of the knife. 7. Place a cup above the knife, on the right. 8. Add any small dishes or water glasses. 9. Place a centerpiece once all places are set.

Educator tip

Teach one setting well, then let children repeat across the table. Rotate table-setting duty so every child learns the pattern.

Assessment

Note accuracy of positions, completeness of the setting, and aesthetic attention.

More from Practical Life

• Polishing Wood
• Squeezing Orange Juice
• Sanding and Finishing Wood
• Grace and Courtesy: Telephone or Video Call Manners
• Kneading and Baking Bread
• Mending a Torn Garment
• Household Budgeting — A Real Expense Tracker
• Transferring with Tongs