Montessori Fun Newsflash
Tea Party? Why a tea party?? Bone china?
Like the other activities we do in Montessori School, there is a purpose beyond having fun and looking cute. Tea Parties for the very young are an advanced exercise of co-ordination of movement, grace, and courtesy. I have purchased over the years sets of real, gorgeous English bone china tea sets that are just their size. It takes quite a bit of control to be able to handle a tiny, delicate porcelain teacup and saucer, and to pour from a fragile porcelain teapot. The teapots even have lids that need to be held on to avoid falling, making it especially challenging to perform successfully and gracefully. It is a perfect time to practice our very best manners! This may come in very handy someday, for instance, formal holiday dinners, eating at a nice restaurant, or dinner at Grandma’s. The tea parties are a culmination of many practical life lessons learned throughout the year in the classroom and in our lunch program.
At Montessori Fun, the tea parties in the past have been a huge success. The children put their napkins in their laps and set their teacups on to their saucers carefully and quietly. We have been practicing this skill a little at a time in the classroom with the work jobs. They stay seated the entire time we eat, and we sing a special Bon Appetit song before we eat. We practice saying “please and thank you” and “after you, friend!” We serve little tea sandwiches and warm herbal tea. Also on the menu are berries or other finger foods, and a special tea cookie! Tasting new foods and being gracious when one doesn’t care for the food is also a useful lesson. We practice how to ask for what you need and to pass the item from person to person without reaching across another. We have been practicing these routines and manners at lunchtime all year.
The ambiance is set with lace tablecloths, classical music and candlelight (battery powered for safety). If this doesn’t sound like the usual dinnertime routine at home- have heart! There is a time and place for everything. This is a special occasion, and even if you do not see these talents at home all the time, how wonderful to know that they are so capable!!
Bon Appetit!