Talking · Listening · Drama
Drink before news at dinner
At the dinner table, the child plays host: they look after everyone first, then ask each person one question about their day.
- 10 minutes
- Small group
- Ages 5–7, Ages 7–9
- At home
- Printable: planning sheet
What to do
- Read the saying and its meaning before the meal: offer a drink before you ask for news.
- Talk about what it means: look after someone first, then ask them questions.
- The child is host for the meal. They offer each person water or pass the food before anything else.
- Once everyone is settled, the host asks each person one question about their day, and listens to the answer.
- Anyone can answer briefly or say "pass". At the end, the family thanks the host.
Questions to talk about
- How did it feel to be looked after first?
- Why might people find it easier to talk once they feel welcome?
You will need
- A family meal
Make it fit
Simpler: An adult suggests the question for each person.
More of a stretch: The host asks a follow-up question that shows they listened to the first answer.
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The planning sheet
Drink before news at dinner
Name
Tonight I am the host. First I look after everyone, then I ask about their day.
The instructions card
How to run it · Talking · Listening · Drama
Drink before news at dinner
At the dinner table, the child plays host: they look after everyone first, then ask each person one question about their day.
10 minutesSmall groupAges 5–7, Ages 7–9
What to do
- Read the saying and its meaning before the meal: offer a drink before you ask for news.
- Talk about what it means: look after someone first, then ask them questions.
- The child is host for the meal. They offer each person water or pass the food before anything else.
- Once everyone is settled, the host asks each person one question about their day, and listens to the answer.
- Anyone can answer briefly or say "pass". At the end, the family thanks the host.
You will need
- A family meal
Talk about
- How did it feel to be looked after first?
- Why might people find it easier to talk once they feel welcome?
Make it fit
Simpler: An adult suggests the question for each person.
Stretch: The host asks a follow-up question that shows they listened to the first answer.
Goes with the printable planning sheet.