Montessori Practical Life: Setting the Table

Montessori Practical Life: Setting the Table
This is a short and easy activity to do. It is so important for children to learn how to set the table correctly. Ever since we did this lesson, my 4-year old has been helping me set the table and he does a great job, too.

Read on to see what we used.
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I got the placemat with the labels and pictures of where everything goes so he can practice at first. You can see it pictured below. If it looks too busy/colorful for you, you will be happy to know that the backside is the same picture, but in black and white. It still shows children where the items go on the placemat, but without the color. My son prefers the colorful side, but it is nice to have the choice. Eventually, we started using a regular placemat to set the table.

You will need:

- A place setting for one (dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, etc)
You can use glass, but you don't have to. When we first start up, we use bamboo plates and bowls. Another option is to use wooden plates and bowls. They aren't as loud and more resistant to bangs. 
          

- A placemat (I use this one at first and then move on to a regular placemat)

- Silverware for one (fork, knife and spoon)

- A cup

- A cloth napkin

 

Some people start setting the table from left to right (starting with the napkin), but I find it too complicated. In reality, there is no real order in which you set the table (as in what goes on first), but there is an order on how it is placed on the table.

I like to start with the plates and bowls first. They are the biggest items and everything else kind or revolves around them and their size. After setting the plates and bowls, we place the silverware in their correct spot (you can see it on the picture above). Lastly, we set the napkin and the cup.

What is your favorite way of setting the table?

At what age did you teach your littles to set the table? 

We start at around 2.5 years of age.