I LOVE Spring Tea time. Not every class does a Spring Tea - but we all practice the same skills in order to execute one. I love doing the Tea because it acts as many things - a way to invite parents, grandparents or special friends into our classroom in an alternative situation rather than "watch me work", a way for children to show off their "I did it myself" skills, their capability for grace and courtesy and it truly boosts their sense of pride.
Throughout the year we practice Food Preparation skills - cutting, chopping, peeling, spreading so that when it is time to make all the food, the children are fully prepared.
We receive lessons on Grace and Courtesy so that children know how to carry chairs, tuck in chairs, say please and thank you, to help others before they help themselves, so that it is natural for the children to do so when it is time for the Tea.
We practice getting our own work ready, cleaning up our own things and preparing the classroom for the next day, so that when it is time to get ready for this big event - it isn't a huge chore.
I just about calling the Spring Tea the "Montessori Final Exam" because it is truly the culmination of a year's worth of work!