Table Cleaning Practical Life Exercises Ideas

Activities to do with cleaning and eating at a table for the Practical Life area, which can be presented as described below, or to augment your existing activities.  Choose from the available options to create your own activities or follow our recommendations below:

Suggestions

1 Table crumbing

Table crumb brush set

Sweep the table clean ready for wiping.

2 Table wiping

Plastic bowl and plastic bucket and cloth

Wipe the table clean using clean water in the bowl, and dirty in the bucket.  Dry with a clean cloth.

3 Table scrubbing

Table scrubbing brush, stand for the brush, plastic bowl and plastic bucket, cloth

Scrub the table clean using clean water in the bowl, and dirty in the bucket.  Wipe, then dry with a clean cloth.

4 Table laying

tray, plate, glass, cutlery, napkin, placemat

Sweep the table clean ready for wiping.

5 Snack time

Tray with snacks, glasses, jugs of milk/water, small plates, cutlery if required, napkins and placemats

6 Dishwashing

Dishbrush, plastic bowl and plastic bucket, dishcloth, dish drainer rack

Wash the dishes using clean water in the bowl, and dirty in the bucket.  Put to drain.

7 Dish drying

Drainer rack, tea towel

Allow dishes to drain on the rack, then dry with a clean tea towel and put away. Sort cutlery into tray.

Suggestions for additional items needed: cloths, sponge cloths, child safe detergent.

Of course, these are only suggested activities and you can mix and match the items as you wish. We'd love to see your own ideas.

Get inspired for alternative activities with videos and photos here.

PLEASE NOTE: This pack recommends real kitchen items not toys, some of which are made from glass. They are only for use under the supervision of an adult, and you should assess the risk posed each time they are used.