Friday, February 22, 2008

Table Manners Taught with Fun Activities

There are a variety of fun activities that you can do with children to teach them table manners.



Immediate Feedback and Reward

Children like to see what they have accomplished and get rewarded. Rewards could be simple stickers after each accomplishment, plus the big reward at the end which could be a tea party to demonstrate all that they have learned about table manners.



Chart Their Progress

You can have a chart of the table manners that they need to learn and stars given after each is accomplished. For example, maybe Number 1 on the chart is to sit down and place the napkin on their lap. Number 2 could be sitting straight with hand in laps or wrists on the table, and feet near their chair, Number 3 is breaking off a small piece of bread and then buttering, etc.



Keep a Journal

The girls can keep a journal of the table manners that they have learned. They can draw pictures and write simple instructions for each dining etiquette rule. When they have finished learning about table manners, they will have their book to show for it as well as for future reference.



Photos and Video

Children enjoy being photographed or videotaped. You could take pictures or videotape them demonstrating each example of proper dining etiquette. The photos or videotape can also include improper table manners in order to contrast with correct behavior. Be sure to take pictures at the tea party. Make copies of the tape for each to take home. If taking photos, these can be part of their journal.

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