Talking and Learning Around the Dinner Table

I really cannot take much credit for this idea...because my mom did this with us as kids growing up--and now does it with her grandkids. I liked it so much as a child, that I now carry on the tradition in my own family, around our own dinner table.

But, WHAT is the idea you ask?

Well, since you asked, I might as well tell you...

My mom bought interesting, and educational placemats to help stimulate interesting dinnertime conversation--and a little friendly competition! Our girls love using these placemats at dinnertime. In fact, I've had to buy 2 of some of them...because you know--the sibling rivalry... I even use them when we have company over for dinner. I've found that guests enjoy joining in on the trivia games we play. Plus, it gives our kids a fun way to join in the conversation with our guests.

Here are some examples of these wonderful placemats:

Anybody up for a little States and Capitals Contest? Quick! Name the capital of Rhode Island. You looked at the picture, didn't you??? Which states border Missouri? Which state has the friendliest people? (Wait just a minute...that's not on the placemat...)

Can you name the 25th president? Or, how about making it a little more interesting to the uninterested learner... Which president had the nastiest facial hair? Which president had the meanest looking picture? Which president looks fattest/skinniest?

Forgive me...I get a little carried away by this game, myself!!

Have younger learners? Oh, they have younger placemats, too! How about a little game of I Spy on the placemat... I spy something red, white, blue, and black... (Hint, sometimes I wonder if this should be my nickname.)

All of these placemats are laminated, and can be written on with crayons. I used to have my 3-year-old sit at the table and work on writing her letters on a similar ABC placemat as I was cooking dinner.