Setting Up a Tea Service

Tea service combines food preparation, social grace, and hospitality into meaningful cultural practice.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Food Preparation
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Combine multiple preparation skills
• Learn hospitality
• Develop grace and courtesy

Materials

• Tea pot
• Cups and saucers
• Tea
• Sugar and milk
• Tray
• Napkins

Instructions

1. Prepare tray with cups, saucers, napkins. 2. Add sugar bowl and milk pitcher. 3. Heat water safely (with adult help). 4. Steep tea. 5. Pour into cups. 6. Offer to guests. 7. Practice tea service language and etiquette.

Educator tip

This is a grace and courtesy lesson as much as food preparation. Practice polite offering.

Assessment

Child sets up and conducts tea service with appropriate etiquette.

More from Practical Life

• Greeting Others
• Saying Please and Thank You
• Interrupting Politely
• Apologizing Sincerely
• Asking Permission
• Walking Around Others' Work
• Waiting for a Turn
• Offering Help