Recommended Age: 18m+     

Level of Parent Involvement: Medium; low once they get the hang of it!     

Materials    

• Placemats or tablecloth   
• Napkins   
• Silverware   
• Dishes and cups (for an older child)   

Steps  

• Show the child how to carry one thing at a time, walking slowly from the kitchen to the table.   
• Let him know what comes first, second, etc.  First, the placemat, then the napkins, then the plates, then the silverware, and finally the cups.     
• Show the child how to carry one thing at a time, walking slowly from the kitchen to the table. 
• Let him know what comes first, second, etc. For example, first all the placemats, then all the napkins, then the plates, then the silverware, and finally the cups.  
• Work together initially, and then allow the child to do it independently once they know the order of the materials.  
• Store or place the items in order where the child can reach, or hand him items that are stored out of reach. 

Variation for Younger Child 

• They can set only their own place on the table, or they can help with only one part of it, such as just the placemat or napkins.