Setting the Table

Setting the table is an everyday activity that has significant developmental value.

It supports your child in the development of motor skills and coordination of movement. It fosters independence as well as contribution, and deepens your child’s sense of connection in your home life. As your child grows, this will emerge into a more conscious sense of responsibility and interdependence. It strengthens sequencing awareness and the ability to follow and retain multi-step directions.

Any time is the right time to start including this in your home routine!

Here’s how:

1. Invite your child to set the table with you.

2. Model how to set the table.

   • Decide on an order: what comes first, next, last?

     You will set out all of a particular item (all plates, all forks) before moving on to the next item, so your child can experience each individual step in repetition.

   • After you’ve demonstrated each step once or twice (eg, set down two plates out of three; put out two napkins out of five; or set out one glasses out of four), invite your child to join you.

3. Confirm and appreciate the readiness of the table with your child.

   • Confirm that you have all the components you will need. Appreciate the readiness of the set table.

4. Repeat, having your child take on more each time, while scaffolding as necessary.

   • Scaffolding means giving small helps and reminders: “do you remember what comes next? I can help you. I see you’ve put out the plates, napkins, and forks. Next will be the spoons!). Scaffolding represents just the necessary help - not stepping in too soon, or giving too much verbal feedback.

   • Setting the table can be a surprisingly complex task for some children until they fully integrate this process. Offer your child the scaffolding they need. Competency will grow with repetition. Be patient but clear, and be sure to repeat consistently so your child can identify their own growth.

5. Repeat, repeat, repeat!

While setting the table may may not seem exciting, I promise your child feels differently. The energy you bring to this experience will set the tone for your child’s enthusiasm.

Have confidence that developmental motives will inspire your child towards this work - a desire for order, for movement, for emerging independence, and a calling to develop the skills that they see in the world around them.

So set the table today!