Adding a visual chart to our tea table is helping to teach reading, writing, counting, addition, subtraction and teamwork.
I took individual pictures of our tea set: Cups, Saucers, Spoons, Tea Kettle, Pitcher and Sugar Bowl. Then I laminated the pictures and put them on the board.
The question above the cup, saucer and spoon asks, "How many do you need?"
The question above the tea kettle, pitcher and sugar bowl asks, "Do you need these?"
I also printed and laminated numbers for them to pin up on the board.
First we counted how many guests we had at the table. Teaching them to count the guests first, and themselves last.
Now, how many of each item will we need?
Do we need these? Circle yes or no.
Then they worked together to set the table. They were responsible for their own side of the chart. It was neat watching them work together.
My son grabbed four cups and brought them to the table, "We have four cups and we need three. What should we do?"
I-Bell is the hostess and is pouring the tea. Then, D decided he wanted some sugar. He asked for 3 scoops of sugar, please. However, we didn't have anything to use to scoop the sugar.
"I know ... another spoon!" My son said as he went to get another one.
"OK; we added one more spoon. Now how many spoons do we have?"
He counted and changed the number on the chart.
When they were done taking turns being the host of the party, we decided to go to the kitchen to taste some real tea.
CHEERS!
♥
