How to Move a Table

Materials: Child-sized Table

Purposes:

• Independence

• Coordination of Movement

• Orientation and Adaptation to the Environment

Age: 2 ½ and up

Preparation: The child has been given the How to Carry a Chair presentation.

Presentation:

• Gather a small group of children, including one experienced child, at a table.

• Introduce what you will do. 

• Invite the experienced child to help you identify a location.

• Each person stands at the short end of the table.

• Place hands on the sides with fingers underneath and thumbs on top lifting the table together.

• Decide who will walk backward. (look over the shoulder when walking backward)

• Lower the table two legs at a time quietly.

• Return to the presentation area.

• Invite one other child to move the table with the experienced child to another identified spot in the room.

• When they are complete, invite the last child to move the table.

• Close the lesson. Example: “Now you know what to do if you need to move a table.  When you need to move a table, ask a friend to help you.”

• Dismiss to work.

Points of Interest:

• Hand placement.

• The technique to set down the table.

• Deciding who will walk backward.

• Looking backward while walking backward.

• Two people coordinate their pace.

Following Exercises:

• Moving other types of tables

Pedagogical Notes:

• Asking someone to help you move a table should be a Grace and Courtesy lesson.