Everyday Setting Matching Mat
Hands-On Activity
Everyday Setting Mat
Practice your table setting skills by matching the pieces to their shadows!
Name:
Date:
How to play: Gather your laminated utensil cut-outs. Match each item to its outline on the placemat below. Pay close attention to the left and right sides, and make sure the knife blade points in the correct direction!
Napkin
VELCRO
Fork
VELCRO
Cup / Glass
VELCRO
Plate
VELCRO
Knife
VELCRO
BLADE FACES PLATE
Spoon
VELCRO
Self-Check Checklist:
Plate is in the center
Fork is on the left
Knife & Spoon on right
Knife blade points left
Teacher Prep
Laminate mat & stick soft loop Velcro dots in centers!
Everyday Setting Cutouts Sheet
Printable Pieces
Everyday Utensil Cut-Outs
Laminate, cut out, and prepare these pieces for the Matching Mat!
Teacher Tip
Add velcro to backs!
Cut along the dark dashed lines around each card. For durability, we highly recommend laminating these pieces before cutting!
CUT LINE
Centerpiece
Ceramic Plate
Plate
Plate diameter: scale sized
CUT LINE
Fabric Fold
Checkered Napkin
COTTON
NAPKIN
Left of plate or center
CUT LINE (CUT EACH CARD INDIVIDUALLY)
The Silverware Trio
Fork, Butter Knife, and Spoon
Fork
FORK
Knife
KNIFE (Blade Left)
Spoon
SPOON
Laminate then cut along each card's border!
CUT LINE
Drinkware
Water Glass / Cup
A refreshing cup filled with water. Place it in the upper-right corner of your setting.
CUP
Safety First: Younger students should have adults help with cutting!
Ages 4+
Everyday Setting Reference Guide
Visual Anchor Chart
Everyday Table Setting
A simple, step-by-step visual guide to setting a perfect standard table.
Completed Setting
1. Water Glass
Sits in the upper right, right above the tip of the butter knife.
2. Napkin
Can go on the far left of the fork, under the fork, or on the plate.
3. Fork (Left)
Forks go on the LEFT of the plate. F-O-R-K has 4 letters, L-E-F-T has 4 letters!
4. Knife (Right)
Knives go on the RIGHT. Blade faces left (toward the plate) for safety!
5. Spoon (Right)
Spoons also go on the RIGHT. Placed to the right side of the knife.
PLATE CENTER
The Spelling Count Trick
Struggling to remember left versus right? Just count the letters in each word!
F - O - R - K 4 Letters
L - E - F - T 4 Letters
K - N - I - F - E 5 Letters
S - P - O - O - N 5 Letters
R - I - G - H - T 5 Letters
Good Table Manners
Being a table setting master is awesome, but great manners are even better!
- Place your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit.
- Wait for everyone to be served before eating.
- Keep your elbows off the table during the meal.
- Chew with your mouth closed and speak quietly.
Fun Fact: The sharp edge of the knife faces inward because of a history of safety! In medieval times, turning the sharp blade away from your neighbor was a sign of peace and trust.
