Activity: Practice Dining Etiquette

Learn to use proper dining etiquette and manners during meals to show respect for others.

Ask the children what rules or manners their families use for mealtimes. Some examples might include washing your hands before eating, saying a blessing on the food before eating, not talking with your mouth full, thanking the person who cooked the food, not complaining about the food, saying “please” and “thank you” when passing food items, not using electronics at the table, taking turns talking, and using your indoor voice to talk. Talk about why the children think these ideas are important.

Emphasize that using our best manners—even at home—shows respect for our family members and others we share meals with.

If possible, practice good manners while eating a small meal or snack together.

Please adjust accordingly based on food allergies that may be present with members in your congregation.

Please adapt activities as necessary to ensure all individuals are able to participate, belong, and contribute.

• Prepare a few simple food items that can be tricky to eat neatly. Have the children eat each food their own way, then demonstrate a polite way to eat it. Enjoy the humorous moments as you practice together!
• Practice setting a table. Give the children dishes and utensils, set a timer, and have each person try to set the table (large groups could break into teams). Provide help as needed.
• Help the children practice polite conversation at mealtime (what to say and what not to say). Invite them to thank those who prepare meals for them at home, school, or other places.
• Service idea: Encourage the children to help set the table for their families before a meal.

Encourage children to talk about how what they are learning can help them and others grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity and should last just a few minutes. You could ask questions like the following:

• How does showing respect to others help us feel Christ’s love for them?
• What can we learn from the way Jesus treated others when they fed and took care of Him?