How to Teach Children How to Clear a Table
When you get kids involved in meal preparation and clean up, not only does the work go more quickly, but kids can feel like an important part of the process. Even small children can help clear a table after a meal, as long as you show them how to do it. Get the whole family involved in preparing and cleaning up after a meal by teaching children how to clear a table.
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Instructions
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Carry the trashcan to the table for easy access. Show children how to remove all of the trash and refuse left from the meal, throwing all of these items directly into the trashcan. This may include paper napkins and food trash.
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Encourage children to begin clearing the table by removing the plates one by one. Teach children not to carry more than they can safely handle--carrying one plate at a time is probably the safest method for many children.
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Show children what to do with the plates when they get them to the sink area. Depending on your preference and the age of the children, children may simply place the plates on the counter or you might show children how to scrape the plate into the sink or into the garbage. Demonstrate how to stack the empty plates in the sink or on the counter after scraping them clean.
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Encourage children to remove the glasses from the table after clearing all of the plates away. Teach children to carry one glass at a time out to the kitchen, pouring any leftover liquids into the sink. Show children where to place the glasses for washing.
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Help older children carry any platters and casserole dishes into the kitchen, if you think the children are old enough to handle these items without dropping them. If children are younger--under age six, for example--do this part of the clearing yourself or ask older children to do it.
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Provide children with a damp dishcloth for wiping off the table. Show children how to hold the portable trash can on the edge of the table and sweep crumbs and messes directly into the trash can. Show children how to wipe the surface of the table thoroughly with the damp cloth until the table appears completely clean.
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Show children how to dry the table surface with the dishtowel after washing it.
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Help children put the portable trashcan away and return any decorative items to the table, such as a centerpiece. Thank your children for helping you with the meal clean-up.
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Tips & Warnings
If you use placemats on the table, clean them before removing them. Wipe down plastic placemats with a damp cloth and dry them with the dry cloth. For fabric placemats, shake them off gently over the portable trashcan. If the placemats require washing, place them into the laundry.
Tailor the table clearing for the age of your children. For example, very young children (age three or four) should not carry breakable dishes or glasses. Instead, give these children safe chores such as carrying plastic items or washing off the table surface after clearing.
References
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