Family Style Dining

Family Style Dining is an important way for children to learn many skills 

while doing something that is very routine... eating! 

We sit at the table together and the children help to pass out the dishes.

Children work on one to one correspondence by placing one plate or one spoon at each chair for each child. Many times as children are passing out items the other children are counting along to make sure we have enough for everyone.

We pass each item around the table so each child can take one spoonful and place it on their plate. While doing this the children are encouraged to say please and thank you.

The children take great pride in placing their own food on their own plate. They also are working on motor skills as they scoop food onto their plate.

 Pouring milk is a task that takes lots of concentration! Older children are able to do this on their own while younger children need an adult to help guide them in pouring their milk. Spills do happen but the children learn to clean the spill up and try again.