Lesson Note On Table Manners

Learning Objectives

1. Students will be able to define table manners and explain their importance.

2. Students will be able to identify the different components of a table setting.

3. Students will be able to demonstrate proper etiquette for using utensils.

4. Students will be able to practice good posture and table behavior.

5. Students will be aware of cultural differences in table manners.

Instructional Materials

• Whiteboard or projector

• Markers or pens

• Paper

• Pictures or illustrations of table manners

• Cultural information about table manners

Content

• Table Manners 

Table manners are a set of social behaviors and customs that guide how people should behave when eating together at a table. These guidelines help create a respectful and pleasant dining experience for everyone involved. Having good table manners is important because it shows consideration for others, enhances social interactions, and reflects positively on your upbringing.

When you practice good table manners, you demonstrate respect for the people you’re dining with. This includes using utensils and napkins appropriately, chewing with your mouth closed, and refraining from talking with food in your mouth. It’s important to sit up straight and avoid leaning on the table, as this displays attentiveness and respect for the meal and your companions.

Listening and engaging in conversation during the meal is another aspect of table manners. Avoid interrupting others while they’re speaking, and take turns sharing your thoughts. Keeping conversations positive and light is usually best, avoiding controversial topics that could lead to disagreements.

Remembering to say “please” and “thank you” when requesting or receiving food and passing dishes courteously around the table are also essential components of good table manners. Showing gratitude and being considerate help foster a pleasant atmosphere during the meal.

• Importance

Table manners are really important because they help us have a nice and respectful time when we eat with others. Just like how we follow rules in games to play together, table manners are like rules for eating together.

When we use good table manners, we show respect for our friends and family who are eating with us. We use our utensils properly, like forks and spoons, and we chew with our mouths closed. This makes sure we’re not being messy or noisy while eating.

Listening and taking turns to talk during the meal is also part of good table manners. This way, everyone gets a chance to share, and nobody feels left out. We try to keep our conversations friendly and avoid talking with food in our mouths.

Saying “please” and “thank you” is a really nice part of table manners too. When we ask for things nicely and say thank you when we get something, it shows that we appreciate the food and the people serving us.

By using good table manners, we create a happy and friendly atmosphere during meals. People enjoy eating together more, and it helps us build good relationships with friends and family. So, just like we learn in school, learning and using table manners is like learning how to be kind and respectful when we’re sharing a meal with others.

• Components of a Table Setting

A proper table setting consists of several components that are arranged in a specific order. Here are the main components of a formal table setting:

• Plates: The larger plate, called a “dinner plate,” is usually placed in the center. Smaller plates, like a “salad plate,” can be placed on top of the dinner plate.

• Forks: Forks are placed to the left of the plate. The larger fork (dinner fork) is placed closest to the plate, followed by smaller forks like the salad fork or fish fork.

• Knives: Knives are placed to the right of the plate. The blade edge should face the plate. There might be different knives for different courses, like a butter knife or a fish knife.

• Spoons: Spoons are also placed to the right of the plate. The soup spoon might be the largest, placed farthest to the right, followed by dessert spoons.

• Glassware: Glasses are placed above the knives and spoons, to the right of the plate. They can include water glasses, wine glasses, and sometimes a smaller glass for other beverages.

• Napkins: Napkins can be placed on the left side, either under the forks or on the plate. In more formal settings, napkin rings might be used.

• Placemat or Charger: A placemat or charger is a decorative mat placed under the dinner plate.

• Dessert Utensils: If dessert will be served, dessert utensils, including a fork and spoon, can be placed horizontally above the dinner plate, with the fork closer to the plate.

• Bread Plate and Butter Knife: If bread is being served, a small bread plate with a butter knife can be placed above the forks, on the left side.

• Salt and Pepper Shakers: These are usually placed in the center of the table within easy reach.

• How to Use Utensils

Proper etiquette for using utensils is important when dining in a formal setting. Here’s a guide to help students navigate using utensils correctly:

• Start from the Outside: When there are multiple utensils on the table, always start with the utensils on the outside and work your way in as the meal progresses. This means the utensils farthest from your plate are for the first course.

• Hold Utensils Properly: Hold forks and knives near the middle of the handle, not at the end. This gives you better control and looks more polished.

• Cutting Food: When cutting food, hold the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left hand. Use the knife to cut, and then switch the fork to your right hand to bring the food to your mouth.

• Using a Fork: Keep your fork tines facing downward when picking up food. Use your knife to guide food onto the fork. Never use your fingers to push food onto the fork.

• Soup Etiquette: Dip your spoon into the soup and scoop the spoon away from you to avoid any spills. Sip from the side of the spoon, not the tip. Don’t slurp!

• Resting Utensils: When you’re taking a break during the meal, rest your utensils on your plate. When you’re done eating, place the utensils together diagonally across the plate, with the tips pointing to 10 o’clock on the plate.

• Passing Utensils: If someone needs a utensil that’s out of their reach, ask politely if you can pass it to them. Place the utensil on the edge of their plate for them to pick up.

• Chewing with Mouth Closed: It’s important to chew with your mouth closed and avoid talking with food in your mouth. Take small, manageable bites to avoid overloading your mouth.

• Using Napkin: Place your napkin on your lap when seated. Use it to wipe your mouth gently, but avoid wiping your face vigorously. When you’re finished eating, place the napkin neatly on the left side of your plate.

• Thanking the Host: Always remember to thank the host or hostess for the meal as you leave the table. This shows appreciation for their effort and hospitality.

Procedure

• Begin by asking students what they know about table manners.

• Define table manners and explain their importance.

• Show students pictures or illustrations of table manners.

• Discuss the different components of a table setting.

• Teach students proper etiquette for using utensils.

• Practice good posture and table behavior with students.

• Discuss cultural differences in table manners.

• Have students create a skit or role-play demonstrating good table manners.

• Have students write a poem or short story about table manners.

• Have students design a poster or infographic about table manners.

• Have students give a presentation about table manners to the class or school.

Assessment

1. Observe the students’ participation in the activities.

• Collect students’ work, such as their skits, poems, stories, posters, or infographics.

• Ask students questions about table manners.