A tea party can be a wonderful experience for children of all
ages, especially when combined with lessons on history and
manners. Consider giving one with an elementary school class,
your church Sunday School or if you homeschool, join with
other families if you'd like a larger group. Boys and girls alike
will benefit from learning about the tradition of Afternoon Tea.
You can heighten the children's excitement and expectations
by sending them little invitations to the tea a few days before.
These can be as simple as construction paper cut-outs with
their name, the time, place, event and hostess.
On the day of the tea party, introduce each child
individually and ask that they be seated. If you wish,
give each person a name tag in the same shape as
the party invitations. Begin your lesson
by asking them what they know about afternoon tea and
what their perceptions of it are. If possible, do a little comparison
afterwards, to see how many of their ideas stayed the same and
how many children changed their outlook on tea.
Consider reading aloud the book
Tea Time with Emma Buttersnap by Lindsey Tate. This book is appropriate for preschool to about fourth grade. It
includes some history, how to have a tea, what to make, and even has
some cute, simple little crafts (like making their own placemat doilie.
To keep their little minds attentive as you read, have a very simple
"worksheet game" prepared with items that are answered as you read the
book. If reading aloud to a larger group or class you may skip some of
the sections as they aren't all necessary
if they seem restless or time does not allow.
Learning About Manners
We also recommend putting a focus on manners, and how to behave during
tea. Make this a fun thing, by calling up volunteers and letting them
practice. Don't do too many rules of etiquette, just a few, and explain
the reason why manners are important (to treat one another with love and
respect and kindness). Here are some examples:
~ how to greet one another
~ no talking with your mouth full, so take tiny bites
~ don't put out your pinkies when you drink your tea
~ don't make a lot of noise when you stir your cup
~ don't sip the tea from you spoon, keep it in the saucer
~ don't talk about what food you like and don't like
~ try a little bit of everything
~put your napkin on your lap and don't put it on the table until you
are done
You also might have them practice how to pour tea for someone. This can
be fun, because they can ask the guest, "Would you like one lump or
two?", which is
very grown up and fun at the same time!
More Tea Discussion
As you discuss the different kinds of tea, let the kids smell some of
the teas from tins so they can see the difference. (i.e. Earl Grey vs
English Breakfast vs Lapsang Souchaoung vs Camomile) You won't need too
many, but it is a hands-on type lesson that will interest them. Any
time they can do smell, taste, touch or see type activities, they will
be far more interested and involved. Perhaps you could provide
a teaspoon of each in a tiny cup-one for each child. Don't brew the
teas too early or they might loose some of their aroma.
You can also take a little time to show them the basic accouterments for
tea time such as: tea pot, tea cup and saucer, napkin, tea spoon, sugar
tongs, creamer and sugar dish, jam pot, etc.
To encourage more discussion pass out little cut-outs with questions on
them that are conversation starters for the students. Examples: hearts for a
Valentine's Tea, tea pots for everyday or other holiday shapes.
One of the best parts of tea is the
conversation, and learning to think about others and inquire about them.
If a table is very quiet, perhaps you can help things along a little by
asking your own questions of some of the students.
The Tea Party
As far as serving tea and food for your tea party, keep it simple.
Consider kid friendly sandwiches on thin white bread that has been
cut into shapes. Peanut butter mixed with a little cream and honey
is always a favorite. Small scones, little premade tartlets filled with
chocolate or lemon pudding, or tiny homemade sugar cookies. You
could also visit a local bakery to buy petit fours, cookies or mini
muffins. Consider serving cambric tea, which is mostly warm milk
and sugar with a little tea. Another option is chamomile tea and
honey, which is mild and was a favorite of Peter Rabbit's
mother in the Beatrix Potter tales.
Remember that sharing this Lesson on Tea is so much
more than teaching history and manners. You will be creating
memories that will last a lifetime with the children you invite.
As you are planning your tea keep in mind their ages and their
attention spans. The younger they are, the more interaction
they will need, and more supervision. Be sure you have at
least two volunteers, and if this is your first tea party with a
group, keep it as simple as possible. Choose the suggestions
that will work with your group, and remember, the key is to have fun and learn at the same time!
Additional Recommended Reading
I'm a Little Teapot! (Click Title for ordering information)
by Jane Cobb (Compiler), Magda Lazicka (Illustrator)
Complete text for 500 action rhymes and much more!
Let's Have a Tea Party! (Click Title for ordering information)
by Emilie Barnes, Michal Sparks (Illustrator), Sue Junker
Creative invitations, yummy recipes, and ideas for fun activities
A Little Book of Manners : Etiquette for Young Ladies
(Click Title for ordering information)
by Emilie Barnes, Michal Sparks (Illustrator),
Basic good manners, explaining why and how but
stressing a loving attitude instead of only the rules.
About the Author
Brenda Hyde is the owner and editor of OldFashionedLiving.com,
a wife, mom to three and a freelance writer.
