I Am Able to Set the Table

A visual video guide for setting the table, accompanied by music. The purpose of this video is to introduce a song that can be easily memorized to assist with remembering where the place setting pieces go when setting the table. You can sing it as you model setting the table for your kids. I included a story line about inviting "The Queen" for tea, to make the song more interesting and the task seem more important. I added some fun sounding nonsense words - "Wee whistle wee whistle wee" because nonsense words are always fun to sing and kids like them.

Some other things to think about: Music and singing involve using your whole brain, enhancing memory and recall. The pictures, accompanying the music, aid with comprehension. The song may actually help your kids remember how to set the table! It worked famously with mine. You can modify the speed, change the tune - arrange it to whatever fits your taste. (I would love to hear variations.)

After you've sung, or played this song a few times for your child, pause periodically to see if your child fills in the missing words, or even continues with the lyrics unassisted.

Make setting the table fun - Have a tea party. Invite your dolls. Take turns pretending to be the Queen. Invite the King once in a while. Wear a crown - whatever you can think of to create a fun experience.

One comment based on a question I get a lot: The answer is "No!" It is not true that you should only teach a child with autism "literally". How boring would that be?! It is okay to include nonsense, pretend stuff and use your imagination. It makes things more interesting. How else will your child learn how to pretend? Think about talking trains with faces, talking fish, or talking tools - to name some examples I think we are all familiar with.

For the musicians among you, I recorded this song in my bedroom between kid interruptions with my iPhone. If you would like to create a new version of this song, please let me know!

Thank you for watching.

Comments are welcome.