Table Manners Social Habits Nursery 1 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Lesson Plan for Table Manners

Subject: Social Habits
Class: Nursery 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 4-5 years
Topic: Table Manners
Sub-topic: Importance of Good Table Manners
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Understand the importance of using good table manners while eating.
• Demonstrate good table manners during meals.
• Identify behaviors that are considered polite and those that are not acceptable at the table.

Keywords

• Manners
• Polite
• Eating
• Fork
• Spoon
• Napkin
• Table

Set Induction

Ask the pupils:

• “What do you do when you sit at the table to eat?”
• “Can you think of some things we should do when we are eating with others?”
  This will get them thinking about their actions at the table.

Entry Behavior

The pupils are familiar with sitting at the table for meals and have basic knowledge of the difference between polite and rude behavior.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures showing good and bad table manners.
• A small table setting with plates, cutlery, and napkins.
• Flashcards of polite eating actions (e.g., using a napkin, chewing with the mouth closed).

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Children already know basic eating habits but may not yet understand the importance of using proper table manners, such as chewing with the mouth closed or waiting for others before starting to eat.

Embedded Core Skills

• Respect: Learning to respect others at the table.
• Social Skills: Practicing polite behaviors like saying “please” and “thank you.”
• Self-regulation: Knowing when to start eating and how to behave during meals.

Learning Materials

• Flashcards of table manners
• Table setting examples (plates, napkins, forks, spoons)
• Poster on “Good Table Manners”

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work.
• “Good Table Manners for Kids” by Patricia W.
• “Manners for Children” by Susan D.

Instructional Materials

• Pictures of good and bad table manners
• Table settings for demonstration
• Flashcards with words and actions

Content

What are Table Manners?

• Table manners are the polite and respectful behaviors we use when eating with others.
• They show good manners and respect for the people around us.

Examples of Good Table Manners

1. Wash your hands before eating.
2. Sit at the table properly (no slouching).
3. Wait for everyone to be served before you start eating.
4. Use a napkin to wipe your mouth.
5. Chew your food with your mouth closed.
6. Don’t talk with food in your mouth.
7. Say “please” when asking for something and “thank you” when receiving it.
8. Use your fork or spoon properly (don’t eat with your hands unless it’s appropriate).
9. Don’t make noise when eating or drinking.
10. Finish your food before leaving the table.

Examples of Bad Table Manners

1. Talking with your mouth full.
2. Reaching across others to grab food.
3. Eating too quickly or too loudly.
4. Using your hands instead of utensils.
5. Yelling or making noise at the table.
6. Not saying “please” or “thank you.”
7. Playing with food or utensils.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

1. You should always wash your hands ___ eating.
   a) Before
   b) After
   c) During
   d) Never
2. You should chew with your mouth ___ when eating.
   a) Open
   b) Closed
   c) Loud
   d) Empty
3. It is polite to say ___ when you ask for something.
   a) Sorry
   b) Please
   c) No
   d) Never
4. If you want something, you should say, “___.”
   a) Give me
   b) Please
   c) Stop
   d) I want
5. You should wait for everyone to be ___ before starting to eat.
   a) Sleepy
   b) Ready
   c) Late
   d) Sick
6. You should never talk with food in your ___.
   a) Shoes
   b) Mouth
   c) Plate
   d) Hand
7. It’s bad manners to ___ while eating.
   a) Sit quietly
   b) Talk loudly
   c) Chew properly
   d) Use utensils
8. You should use a ___ to wipe your mouth after eating.
   a) Tissue
   b) Napkin
   c) Hand
   d) Shirt
9. You should use a ___ to eat soup.
   a) Spoon
   b) Fork
   c) Knife
   d) Hands
10. You should finish eating your food before ___ the table.
    a) Leaving
    b) Playing
    c) Talking
    d) Sleeping
11. Reaching across the table to grab food is ___ manners.
    a) Good
    b) Polite
    c) Bad
    d) Excellent
12. You should not ___ with food in your mouth.
    a) Sing
    b) Talk
    c) Eat
    d) Laugh
13. It is important to chew your food ___ before swallowing.
    a) Slowly
    b) Loudly
    c) Quickly
    d) Fast
14. It is polite to ___ before taking something.
    a) Ask
    b) Shout
    c) Push
    d) Grab
15. Don’t ___ your food at the table.
    a) Eat
    b) Make noise
    c) Leave
    d) Drink

15 FAQ with Answers

1. Why should I wash my hands before eating?
   To remove dirt and germs, and to keep our food clean.
2. What should I do if I want to ask for food?
   Say “please” politely.
3. Why should we chew with our mouth closed?
   It’s polite and helps others not to see the food in your mouth.
4. What should we do if we want to leave the table?
   Finish eating first and ask politely if you can leave.
5. What happens if we talk with food in our mouth?
   It’s messy and rude. We should chew first and then talk.
6. Why should we sit properly at the table?
   To be respectful and make eating easier.
7. What is a napkin used for?
   To wipe your mouth and hands during or after eating.
8. Is it okay to reach across the table to grab food?
   No, it’s better to ask someone to pass it to you.
9. Why is it important to use a spoon or fork properly?
   It helps you eat neatly and respectfully.
10. Why should we wait for others to start eating?
    It shows respect for others and makes the meal more enjoyable.
11. Why is it bad to make noise while eating?
    It’s distracting and can be unpleasant for others.
12. How should I sit at the table?
    Sit up straight and keep your hands on your lap when not eating.
13. Can I play with my food at the table?
    No, it’s better to focus on eating and being polite.
14. What should I do if I spill something?
    Ask for help to clean it up and apologize politely.
15. Why should I finish my food before leaving the table?
    To show respect for the food and others at the table.

Presentation

Step 1: Revision of the Previous Topic

• Ask students about the importance of washing hands and sitting at the table properly.

Step 2: Introduction of New Topic

• Show the students pictures of good and bad table manners. Discuss why it is important to practice good table manners.

Step 3: Student Contributions and Corrections

• Invite students to demonstrate polite eating behaviors, such as using a napkin, chewing with their mouth closed, and saying “please” and “thank you.”

Teacher’s Activities

• Model good table manners with the use of a toy or props (plates, napkins, and utensils).
• Correct any improper behavior observed during role-play or demonstration.

Learner’s Activities

• Participate in role-playing scenarios to practice good table manners.
• Answer the fill-in-the-blank questions and contribute to discussions.

Assessment

• Observe students’ behavior during mealtime and correct any mistakes.
• Review answers to the fill-in-the-blank questions.

Evaluation Questions

1. Why should we wash our hands before eating?
2. What should we do if we talk with food in our mouth?
3. What is the proper way to ask for something at the table?
4. How do we chew our food politely?
5. What is a napkin used for at the table?
6. Is it okay to eat with your hands?
7. What should you do before leaving the table?
8. Why is it important to use a fork or spoon?
9. Should we make noise while eating?
10. Why is it respectful to wait for everyone to be served before eating?

Conclusion

• Praise students for demonstrating good table manners.
• Review the importance of using table manners to show respect for others and make eating pleasant.