Table manners
(Discussion, 15 minutes)
Explore how students can show respect by using good table manners.
Ask students to list as many table manners as they know. Write their answers on the board, clarifying them as needed.
Use the list on this page to fill in any blanks and prompt discussion.
Points to Ponder:
lPeople differ slightly in their views of
table etiquette, and different families
have different expectations of what is
acceptable in their homes. However,
students should still be aware of
commonly accepted table manners so
they can adapt to new and different
situations.
lMore important than table manners is
the principle behind one’s etiquette:
to show respect to others. As long as
students behave politely, the details
of how to pass food at the table or
what to do with a napkin becomes a
secondary issue.
lWhile students might not think much
about table manners, adults in the
business world do. Etiquette makes a
big difference when applying for a job,
building a relationship, making a sale,
and working with others. By learning
good manners at a young age,
children can avoid needless mistakes
in the future.
• Wait fo r eve r yo ne to be seate d
befo re eating.
• Place napkin in lap.
• Chew w ith mo uth close d.
• Swallo w fo o d befo re speaking.
• Keep elbo ws off table.
• Pass dishe s instea d of reaching
across table.
• Offe r fo o d to othe rs befo re
asking fo r mo re, e specially
w ith the last se r ving.
• Place silve r ware across the
to p of plate w hen f inishe d.
• Place folde d napkin to the side
of plate w hen f inishe d.
• Ask to be excu se d fro m the table.