Apr. 12, 2007 - Pig Award
I've taken an idea from Christine Field's book "Life Skills for Kids" and put our own spin on it. It's a pig award to encourage good table manners. Here's how it works.
This little piggy sits in the middle of the table. When someone displays poor table manners such as throwing their plate of food across the room (hee hee), the pig assumes a position at that person's place. The pig stays there until someone else is guilty of breaking table manner code. At the end of the meal, the person with the pig has to sweep the floor.
Field's idea was that the last person with the pig has to clear and clean the table. I didn't favor that idea because I am trying to make it a habit in the kids that they always leave their personal table space clear & clean whether at home or away. So I used sweeping the floor as a consequence instead since I'm usually the one doing it or I was rotating that responsibility.
As for our table code - I don't think that any of my kids have even dared to think about throwing their plate of food across the room! I've felt like it at times, though! LOL! Some of our rules include: No loud outbursts (unless daddy gets that going for some reason). No getting up from the table without asking to be excused. Sit properly in chair. Do not complain about the food. And so on.
We've been having fun with the Pig Award! Actually, tonight will be difficult for the pig because we will be eating pork chops in front of him!
Just a side note: You may notice that I have a Thinking Blogger Award in my sidebar. I was awarded it from Training Hearts. I still feel shocked that she picked me. But here's the thing, I now will be awarding it to 5 bloggers. I'm taking this very seriously and don't want to be haste in who I choose and on my presentation. I'm working on this and it's taking a bit of time. So watch for my post with more information about the Thinking Blogger Award soon.
Comments
Apr. 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Tracy
Congratulations Jill on your award, I of course am not surprised by this being presented to you. Your blog always has very thoughtful post that pushes us to keep our eyes centered on our families or to do things a little differently, like the plate, pig, chart, and keeping school fresh.
I for one am grateful for your blog.
Tracy
Apr. 12, 2007 - Yes.
Posted by Kinley
Good idea!
Apr. 12, 2007 - colors
Posted by jenn4him
Hi Jill.
I think the library was wrong. Those ancient computers were slow too! Your purple looked brown there. I like the pass the pig idea. Very interesting, indeed!
Jenn
Apr. 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Tracy
Well blow me down with a feather, I must have one of those old library computers because I always just see brown but it's really green, isn't that weird.
Tracy
Apr. 13, 2007 - Big day!
Posted by jenn4him
Hi Jill, if memory serves me correct, I wrote it down, I want to say hello and wish you a happy birthday! I don't have a nice glass table to write on, but I did put a blinkie in my entry today in your honor!
Jenn
Apr. 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by TNMOMTOMANYBLESSINGS
I heard it's your birthday!
Have a wonderful day!
Maria
Apr. 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eclecticeducation
That is a good idea! We haven't had whole plates of food for a long time since the little one got bigger but he is still known to grab things and throw when he gets really steamed. We were on our way to my Grandmother's funeral in another state (4 hour trip) right after Christmas and he decided to throw his sandwich at me!!!! Luckily, I didn't have any ketchup on it because I was already dressed up and no spare clothes. Another time when he was real little we were in a restaurant and he pitched a roll and hit some guy in the back of the head!! I was so embarrassed!! Do you think 4 is to young to sweep floors?!? :) Have a Happy Birthday!!!
Edited by eclecticeducation on Apr. 13, 2007 at 7:54 AM
Apr. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by henryteachers
Oh, I love that idea! We have the same pig toy from a kid's meal. We'll have to try it out also to help with our table manners.
Apr. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by foxvalleyfamily
Very creative idea....and Happy Birthday!!!!
Apr. 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Janne
That is a great idea! I think we may have to borrow it around here!
Apr. 20, 2007 - Hi
Posted by PlainJane
What a great idea!!! At first I was thinking that my girls would want a cute pig at their place, but then when you add a chore punishment at the end, that makes it ingenious (except I will have to think of something else - my girls would probably LIKE sweeping the floor - lol - and my dh would probably always end up with the pig. LOL).
I LOVE your blog. This is the first time I have visited here and I see it was my loss. You certainly deserve the Thinking Blogger Award. I would double award you.
Your New Friend, jane in MN
