Grown-Up Guide: Let’s Talk!

Words you may find useful:

plate fork spoon table napkin dinner guests placemats

What to do

This picture helps develop your child’s Mathematics by encouraging them to count, match and organise items ready for a meal. It also supports Personal, Social and Emotional Development as children learn to help at home, follow simple routines and become more independent.

Sit together and look at the picture. Let your child lead—follow what they notice first.

You say it first (Copy + Add)

“I can see the child setting the table.”

“There is one plate for each person.”

“The forks and spoons are ready.”

👉 Then, depending on the age of your child, add one or more words:

“A clean white plate.”

“A shiny silver fork.”

“A folded blue napkin.”

💬 3 questions to build language

“What can you see on the table?”

“How many plates do we need?”

“How can the child help before dinner?”

If no answer

That’s okay—keep modelling:

“The plate goes here.”

“Each person needs a fork.”

“The child is helping to set the table.”

⏱️ 2-minute routine

🍽️ Ask your child to help set the table for your next meal.
🔢 Count how many people are eating and place one plate, cup and spoon for each person.
💬 Talk about where each item belongs using words like next to, on, under and between.
👏 Thank your child for being a helpful member of the family.

Keep it short, warm and pressure-free.