Put Them Back

What you need

• a tray
• the spoons and mats from the table

How to do it

1. After the meal, put a tray on a chair beside the table.
2. Let them collect the spoons onto the tray, one at a time.
3. Then the mats.
4. Carry the tray to the worktop together.

Why it matters

Clearing in the reverse order is a job with its own sequence, and collecting one thing at a time keeps it manageable.

What they're learning

Working backwards

Clearing has an order too.

One at a time

Collecting things one by one keeps it steady.

Finishing up

The table ends up clear.

What to look for

Watch for them going back for the one they missed.

A tip

Unbreakable plates and cups only, nothing hot, and no knives. Stay with them while they carry.

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