Week 05 · Set, Serve and Clear
Monday
Set the table
// A family table from the first plate to the last wipe
⏱ about 15 min
Monday: Set the table
Chris the Coyote peeks through the den window. "Dinner at your place, Lucy? Count me in!" Then he is gone.
Lucy the Ladybug flutters over a bare table. "Six friends are coming. Six places to set. Let me think."
She lands by a stack of plates. "Plate in the middle. Fork on the left. Spoon on the right. Napkin under the fork. Cup above the spoon." She smiles. "Now do it six times."
Count the places
A place setting is everything one person needs at the table.
First, count the people eating. That is how many place settings you need.
Then gather that many plates, forks, spoons, cups and napkins. Carry a few at a time.
One place setting
- Set the plate in the middle of the spot, one hand width from the edge.
- Fold the napkin and lay it to the left of the plate.
- Set the fork on the napkin.
- Set the spoon to the right of the plate.
- Set the cup above the spoon, just past the tip.
| Left of the plate | Middle | Right of the plate |
|---|---|---|
| Napkin, then fork on top | Plate | Spoon, with the cup above it |
- A grown-up adds anything sharp or hot, like a heavy serving dish.
- Match the setting to the meal. Soup needs spoons. Salad needs forks.
- Check each spot from the chair. Can that person reach everything?
Safety first
Carry only a few plates at a time, with two hands.
A grown-up places anything sharp, hot or made of thin glass.
A grown-up places anything sharp, hot or made of thin glass.
SETTING SMARTS
- Read the question.
- Tap your answer.
Five people are eating. How many forks do you need?
Which side of the plate does the fork go on?
Where does the cup go?
SET ONE PLACE IN ORDER
- Tap a card.
- Then tap its spot.
1First
2Second
3Third
4Fourth
5Fifth
Everything one person needs at the table is called a place what?
Which utensil goes on the right of the plate?
What goes under the fork?
Count first. Spoon on the right. Match the meal.
| Statement | True or false? |
|---|---|
| You count the people before you count the plates. | ? |
| The spoon goes on the left. | ? |
| A grown-up places anything sharp or hot. | ? |
| Soup needs forks. | ? |
WHY THIS EXERCISECounting first saves trips, and the pattern keeps every place the same.
Try it
Set one place at your table right now, saying each step out loud.
Sit in the chair. Can you reach everything?
Sit in the chair. Can you reach everything?
Six places, set and ready! Tomorrow Lucy shows you how to serve and pass with two hands.