To introduce the lesson about table manners, casually introduce the subject with stories. Students may identify with the characters or the social situations in which they find themselves and can easily relate. Numerous authors have penned children’s books on the subject, some taking a serious approach, while others a more comical stance, which may more appealing to primary school students.
Arrange classroom desks and have students seated in groups of at least three. Set their desks as a table setting and serve a simple snack. Give the children an opportunity to practice what they’ve learned and to enjoy a treat with their classmates. This is a good opportunity for the teacher to walk through the different groups and praise the children for their efforts and to gently correct others.
Once your students feel more comfortable with the concept of table manners, share table manner practices of other cultures. For example, share some facts about Korean table manners that include facts like they wait for the oldest person to be seated first; it is polite to express gratitude for them meal that has been prepared and that the meal is not to be rushed through. After sharing some facts, ask your students if their families practice any of the manners and if they think what other cultures do is a good idea.
Typically, children find it irresistible to laugh at adults, particularly when they’re being silly. Find two willing adults, either parents who have time to volunteer or staff members to act out a skit. Set up a table where the children can observe the adults act out an impromptu skit about table manners. When the demonstration is over, ask your students questions about who showed good table manners and who did not.