PL T1.09Setting a Place
The toddler takes a placemat, plate, glass, spoon, and napkin from a low shelf and sets them on the outlines of a placemat at the table.
Safety
- Glass and ceramic items only with supervision and where licensing allows.
- Store forks where the child carries them tines down and walking, never running.
Presentation
- 1
Invite the child: 'We are going to set your place for lunch.'
- 2
Walk to the shelf together. Carry the placemat to the table and lay it flat in front of the chair.
- 3
Walk back and carry the plate with two hands. Set it on its outline. Matching the plate to its outline is the point of interest.
- 4
Carry the glass, then the spoon and fork, then the napkin, one at a time, placing each on its outline.
- 5
Point to each outline and name the object on it.
- 6
Invite the child to set their own place. Walk with them to the shelf and wait while they carry each item.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Set a place for a friend
- Set a place with a plain placemat without outlines
- Carry items on a small tray instead of one at a time
- Put a small flower vase on the table
Control of error
The outlines on the placemat show where each item goes; an empty outline shows an item is missing.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Sets a full place on the outlined mat without help
- Carries each item without dropping it
- Sets their place before meals without being reminded