Morning Snack + A Toddlers Lesson in Grace and Courtesy I Hill Country Homestead Texas
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It’s been raining outside for 2 days straight and I have been shut in with 3 children under 3 years old and a stubborn teenager for the past 48 hours. In an admirable effort to use the television in a very limited way we are having to be very innovative with our time. This morning we found some peace in our Montessori lesson on grace and courtesy and demonstrations on serving one another.
The beauty of the lesson is the quiet nature of this activity. Allowing conversation is fine but they are usually more drawn to the pouring, tasting and sound of the porcelain in the beginning. Natural and well mannered conversation will mature with time and practice. This activity is made more beautiful with a small vase, a few tiny fresh flowers for table setting and even small napkins for the lap. I kept our demonstration basic. Starting out it may be wise to stick strictly to two cups, a small pitcher and a small dish of finger foods for sharing. Introduce other elements when the children become comfortable in the basic lesson.
Demonstrate pouring slowly and carefully to each child, make your movements in pouring obnoxiously slow to communicate how important it is to be careful with glass and pouring liquid. They will notice.
Give the children the opportunity to pour themselves a small drink and teach them to offer the pitcher to the other child with manners. If they both successfully pour a drink demonstrate how they may like to tap one another’s glass before a drink. They love this part. Then let them and turns pouring and drinking until they run out of liquid. If they are able to master this without any disasters, they may have a refill in their pitcher. If it didn’t go as planned don’t offer a refill, put everything away and try again some other time.
If you try it out I would love to know how it went!
