Lay the Table
What you need
- a plate, cup, fork and spoon for each person
- the table and chairs
How to do it
- Ask them to count the people who are eating and tell you how many.
- Hand over the plates and let them put one at each place.
- Do the cups next, then the forks and spoons, one of each for every plate.
- Ask them to check: does everyone have one of everything?
Why it matters
Counting out one for each person is maths with a real reason, and everyone sits down to a table they laid.
What they're learning
- One for each
- Matching one plate to one person is counting things out.
- Careful carrying
- Taking cups and plates across the room without a clatter.
- Checking their work
- Looking back along the table to see if anyone has been missed.
What to look for
Notice them going back to add a missing spoon without you pointing it out.
A tip
Leave knives off the list for now and use unbreakable plates, so the whole job can be theirs.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: put the plates out yourself and let them add one cup to each
Harder: pretend someone else is coming, and ask how many plates you need now
More like this
Browse
Everyday helper activities · Toddler activities with a spoon · Toddler activities with cups