Family Programs

INTRODUCTION

"Welcome children and mothers! Today we'll begin with a story to polish up our tea time etiquette, followed by a craft that will ensure we are dressed appropriately, and finally enjoy some treats and play a game. 

My mom is an important person in my life because she is caring, kind, and always willing to help me. What are some things your mom does for you?  [You will be pleasantly surprised by the things that pop out of children's mouth's, but if you get crickets, try these questions...] Who drives you places? Who gives you food? Who washes your clothes?, etc."

READ ALOUD

Introduce tea time etiquette with Tea for Ruby by Sarah Ferguson The Duchess of York and Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Ruby is invited to tea by none other than the Queen! Ruby tells everyone she meets about her engagement and each one reminds her to polish her manners. However, the Queen turns out to be someone who loves Ruby no matter what...grandma!

After reading the book, use the following questions to lead a quick discussion about the story and manners:

• Who was the queen? (Her grandma!)

• What manners did Ruby need to learn for tea? 

  • Chew with your mouth closed

  • Say “please” & “thank you”

  • Use a fork & napkin

  • Remember to wait your turn

  • To not interrupt or shout

  • Sit up straight

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CRAFTS

Dressing appropriately is another important manner. Ensure everyone is dressed in their finest by making wearable crafts.

Fancy Flower Headbands - Fold, fluff, and tie tissue paper flowers to thin plastic headbands (headbands available at most dollar stores or Wal-Mart) with pipe cleaners. 

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Paper Ties - Print the outline of a tie on cardstock. Let attendees cut out their ties, decorate them with markers, punch a hole on each side of the tie knot, string yarn through the holes, and tie around the wearer's neck.

TEA & TREATS

Get to the tasty treats already! Delectable finger foods to offer include melon balls, shortbread cookies, strawberries, and mini pastries, such as petite eclairs which are often available in the freezer section of your local grocery store. Cucumber sandwiches are a tea time classic as well. A sweet alternative would be raisin bread and apple butter sandwiches. Assemble full size sandwiches and cut them into fours with a sharp knife to make finger sandwiches. If you are low on funds, ask local bakeries or staff for tasty donations. 

Minimize caffeine intake for the kids by offering an herbal tea opposed to a traditional black tea. We served herbal raspberry tea and were surprised to find the kids were enthusiastic to try it. Many lined up for multiple servings! Also offer ice water and/or lemonade as an alternative. 

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ACTIVITIES

Questions To Ask Your Mother - Set discussion questions out on the tables to get mom and child chatting while they enjoy their treats. The following questions seem simple, but it may be the first time young children become aware that their parents have interests too! 

• What is your favorite color?

• What is your favorite food?

• What makes you laugh?

• If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be and what would you like to see?

• What were your favorite things to do as a child? 

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Flower & Gem Bingo -  We were inspired by the blog Shower of Roses and created our own bingo cards using clipart images of flowers and gems. Provide one bingo card per family to encourage families to play together. Print pictures of each image and place them in a hat/basket. Pull images from the hat at random and have participants cross off each image as it is called out. Once participants get five images crossed off in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, they must stand up and shout "I Love Mom!" We provided winners with "fancy" plastic beaded necklaces (Summer Reading leftovers), but stickers or high fives will do!