----------------
Fred Astaire

This was us in the 50s and 60s - it was interesting.... we learned that them poor boys of the south had better manners than them rich boys of the north.....

Teaching Elementary Etiquette with this Table Manners Lesson Plan

written by: CrunchingLeaves • edited by: Donna Cosmato • updated: 1/17/2012

Table manners are best taught early and often. The rules should be explained clearly and reinforced daily. Nothing is more repulsive than a dinner companion who chews with his mouth open, picks his teeth, and uses his sleeve for a napkin. This lesson plan will help teach students good table manners.

slide 1 of 4

Overview and Preparation

This lesson plan will familiarize elementary school children with the fundamentals of good table manners using discussion, a poem, and a hands-on activity.

Make one copy of “The Goops" for each child. Have paper and crayons or markers on hand. Prepare food, dishes, and napkins for a meal or snack (optional).

· slide 2 of 4

Discussion

Explain to students that good table manners are a way of showing respect and consideration for themselves and others. Good manners make sharing a meal a pleasant and neat experience for everyone. Ask students for their ideas on what constitutes good and bad manners. Be sure the following points are covered

• Do not begin eating until everyone is served.

• Do not talk with your mouth full.

• Chew with your mouth closed.

• Keep your napkin in your lap.

• Don’t rest your elbows on the table.

• Ask politely for things to be passed if you cannot reach them.

• Do not complain about the food.

• Do not lick your fingers or your knife.

• Don’t pick your teeth or smack your lips.

• Ask to be excused when you have finished eating and want to leave the table.

Emphasize that good manners should be used at every meal, even when dining alone, so that they become natural and habitual.

slide 3 of 4

Activity

Give each child a copy of the following poem and read it aloud while students follow along. As a follow-up, students can draw pictures of the Goops or of people eating with proper table manners. This poem could also be used for copy work or memorization.

The Goops

By Gelett Burgess

The Goops they lick their fingers,

And the Goops they lick their knives;

They spill their broth on the tablecloth --

Oh, they lead disgusting lives!

The Goops they talk while eating,

And loud and fast they chew;

And that is why I'm glad that I

Am not a Goop -- Are you?

The Goops are gluttonous and rude,

They gug and gumble with their food;

They throw their crumbs upon the floor,

And at dessert they tease for more.

They will not eat their soup and bread

but like to gobble sweets, instead,

And this is why I oft decline,

When I am asked to stay and dine!"

· slide 4 of 4

Follow-Up

Serve the students a snack or a meal. Divide the students into small groups and have them politely encourage each other to eat with good manners throughout the meal, giving gentle reminders when needed.

Suggested Books:

Manners at the Table (Way to Be!) by Carrie Finn, illustrated by Chris Lensch

Emily Post’s Table Manners for Kids by Cindy Post Senning and Peggy Post

Dude That’s Rude! (Get some Manners) by Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick

◄●●●●►

Elementary Etiquette Lesson Plans

To teach children good manners is to teach them skills that will further their success in any endeavor. Use these lesson plans to teach your students the good manners that will give them the knowledge and confidence to handle any social situation.

1. Teaching Elementary Etiquette with this Table Manners Lesson Plan

2. Elementary Etiquette: A Lesson Plan on Gratitude

3. Teaching Elementary Etiquette with this Lesson Plan on Using Polite Words

http://www.brighthubeducation.com/lesson-plans-grades-3-5/16183-table-manners-lesson-plan-for-elementary-children/

---------------

How to teach manners to toddlers, kids, and tweens

toddler-times

We all want our children to be well-mannered, but we also know how hard it is to convince them to do anything, much less be polite and respectful. With poor role models on television — and right beside them in the classroom — how do you get your kids on the path to good behavior? We spoke to experts about teaching your kids manners at every age.

Baby (0-1 Years):

What Manners to Teach Them:
Politeness in speech: Modulate your tone when you speak to your baby and use social niceties such as “please” and “thank you” when speaking directly to them or in conversations in their presence. Your example will guide them as they learn to speak.
Nice Touch: Gently direct your baby on how to treat parents, siblings and pets. Teach baby not to grab at someone’s face or hair by physically moving their hand and demonstrating a soft stroke on a dog’s back or by rubbing their fingers across your hair. This will teach them limits and introduce the concept of cause and effect in relation to their actions. “Gentleness will translate as they get older into politeness,” says Ian James Corlett, author of E is for Ethics, How to Talk to Kids About Morals, Values, and What Matters Most.
Respect for Others: Practice well-mannered activities in front of your baby, such as holding the door for someone, saying “excuse me” when you bump into them, or picking something up after you drop it. Give commentary to your baby on what you just did and why. “They register this in their minds,” says Healy. “Babies can learn what is appropriate. When the doorbell rings, it is time to go to the door. The subtle cues of listening, watching and acting are being put together piece by piece by young children and babies.”

Toddler (Age 2-3 years):

As toddlers’ grasp on language develops and they begin to move around more, you can begin to practice good manners with them. But during these years, parents must realize that manners are taught, not inherent, and it will take time for the lessons to become ingrained. So repeat, repeat, repeat!
“At this age, play is still not always interactive, but parents can start to remind children to respect others’ space, not grab, not hit. Essentially, this is the time of ‘play nice,'” says Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, a child psychologist from Manhattan. And, she stresses, “Parents need to be hands-on during this time, as these concepts are still difficult to understand.”
What Manners to Teach Them:
Sharing: Hartstein recommends saying to children, “Be gentle” and “we have to share,” while taking away the fought-over toy.
Politeness: Practice saying “please” and “thank you” often — but expect to say it a lot before they get it.
Cleanliness: “If they don’t want to clean up, the tendency is to do it for them,” Hartstein says. “But they have to be encouraged to help, and another activity should not be started until the first one is cleaned up.”
Patience: Introduce the concept of “waiting,” which applies to situations as diverse as not interrupting Mom’s phone conversation to allowing a sibling to be first at the sink. “It may be helpful for parents to put their hand on their child’s shoulder or around them to help them wait,” Hartstein suggests. If they persistently try to interrupt adult conversations, teach them to say, “Excuse me, please,” and then give them your attention.

Pre- and Elementary school (Age 4 – 9 years):

As children prepare to attend pre- or elementary school, it’s time to work with them on how to interact with others. Faye Rogaski, a public relations expert and adjunct professor of communications at New York University, started Social Sklz:-), a school to help kids acclimate. (Programs like this are becoming more common in the United States and usually start with kids around 4 years old). Rogaski explains, “I saw that kids were missing the basics — shaking hands, making eye contact — [and were] using ‘like, um, as, yeah,’ excessively in sentences.”
What Manners to Teach Them:
Greetings: Rogaski suggests practicing greetings with kids as young as four. “Teach the basics of a proper greeting with these five steps: eye contact, hands meeting web to web, a smile, a firm shake, and ‘Hi, my name is _______.'” A proper introduction will provide your child with a boost of confidence when meeting their kindergarten teacher. “I find that most of my teen (and college) students don’t know how to properly greet and introduce themselves, but the ability to do so has a tremendous impact not only in self confidence, but of course on how one is perceived,” Rogaski says.
Thank-you Notes: Write thank-you notes with your children. At age 4, they may only sign their name and draw a picture, but they can still dictate the text of the note to you. By 6 or 7, they should be writing the entire note themselves after each birthday party or gift-giving holiday.
Dining Etiquette: Model good dining room behavior at family dinners. “You can’t expect excellent behavior at a restaurant if you’re not practicing at home,” Rogaski says. Teach your children to remain in their seats until they’ve asked to be excused, practice using utensils properly and gently correct transgressions such as talking with a full mouth.

Tweens (Age 10 and up):

With the news from a Kaiser Family Foundation study that kids spend at least seven and a half hours a day plugged into digital media, now is also the time to focus on digital manners. “In many cases, the ways in which tweens and teens are communicating today is foreign to parents,” says Rogaski. “But it’s imperative that you as a parent look into these social media outlets in order to understand and give guidance to children.”
What Manners to Teach Them:
Email Etiquette: “Children should be taught the proper way to send an email to an adult or to someone for the first time,” says Rogaski. “It follows a similar format to a letter. Use of shorthand and a more casual banter is [typically only] appropriate with friends and perhaps family.”
Facebook Etiquette: If you’re comfortable letting your child have a Facebook page, practice reading emails, texts and postings out loud before hitting send to ensure it’s something they would say to someone in a face-to-face setting. A good rule of thumb: if they are posting on a Facebook page, ask them to imagine repeating that status to every person on their friend list. If it’s a comment on someone else’s page, have them imagine saying the words out loud to each of that person’s friends.
Texting Boundaries: Good netiquette applies to text messaging too. If your child has a cell phone, set firm ground rules for when texting is OK and when it’s not (at the dinner table, in the classroom), and be prepared to take the phone away if they violate those rules. And explain what is appropriate to share and what isn’t. “As parents might sit down with children to discuss sex, it’s equally important for parents to acknowledge the act of sending sexually explicit photos,” says Rogaski.
http://www.babble.com/kid/teaching-manners-for-kids-politeness/

----------

-------------

Teaching Your Children Basic Manners

By Debby Mayne

Updated April 03, 2015.

Good manners should be taught at a very early age because once bad habits form, they’re difficult to change. Parents need to realize that from the moment their children are born, they serve as role models. If the parents are rude, the children will be too. The most effective way to teach good manners is to state the rules and then show how to apply these rules in everyday life. You can even make etiquette fun with Etiquette Games for the Family.

Start With the Basics

Start out with a very basic set of rules for your children to follow from a very early age and start at home. You don’t want to overwhelm your little ones or stifle their development by introducing concepts they’re not ready for too early. You can always add etiquette rules as they are needed.
Example of basic rules:

Don’t interrupt.
Keep your elbows off the table.
Don’t chew with your mouth open.
Say “please” and “thank you.”
Use an “inside” voice when indoors.

Gradually Add Rules as the Child Is Ready

As soon as you feel your child is ready for the next level of etiquette rules, let him know that you are proud of how well mannered he is, and you want to teach him something new.

He will see this as a positive thing, and he is more likely to embrace good manners. Although some customs change, good manners never go out of style.

List of etiquette rules to add to the basics:

Teach the basics of table settings and how to act at the dinner table.
When eating at someone else’s home, avoid hurting the host’s feelings
Answer the phone politely.
Follow proper cell phone etiquette and never interrupt a “live” person with a cell phone call.
Send thank you notes.
If an invitation has RSVP, always respond by the deadline.
Never gossip about anyone.
Hold doors for anyone who has his or her hands full or needs extra help.
Be nice to everyone.

Finding a Lost Item

The old saying, “Finders keepers, losers weepers,” is wrong on more than one level. First of all, finding something does not make it yours. Also, the person who lost the item shouldn’t weep when she sees that it has been found. Instead, she should smile as she thanks you for returning it. Teach your child to look for the rightful owner of anything she finds because keeping it without making any attempts to find the person is simply wrong.

Respect Elders and People in Authority

Unless the older person or person in authority is asking your child to do something he knows is wrong, respect is essential in establishing a good relationship. This is another area where you can set the example to show your child how an outward show of respect looks. Calling the person by his or her sir name, such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or Dr. is a good start. Listen to what the person in authority is saying and never interrupt. When you see or hear your child living up to your expectations, offer praise without being effusive.

Break Bad Manners

Establishing good manners in your children can be challenging with all the outside influence they’ll encounter in their everyday lives. However, it is possible, but it requires quite a bit of diligence and repetition of the rules. You can even use what the children see as examples of how not to behave. If she sees someone acting out at a birthday party or a cartoon on TV where a character misbehaves, ask what the person should have done instead.
Most of the time, positive statements are more effective than negative ones. However, there are times when you have to use the word “no” to emphasize good manners. After you tell them what not to do, give them an alternative to the bad behavior.
Examples of bad manners:

Spitting
Coughing or sneezing in someone’s face
Intentionally burping or passing gas
Throwing things in anger
Calling someone a bad name
Pushing or shoving
Inappropriately touching others
Grabbing something from someone else
Begging or whining

Good manners are essential in any civilization. The etiquette your children learn at an early age will carry over into adulthood and help make them more successful in friendships, family life, and careers. All the hard work and effort you put into teaching your children basic manners will bring the reward of knowing your child is equipped to handle himself in a civilized world. Expect a few etiquette mistakes every now and then. Help your child correct them and move on.

http://etiquette.about.com/od/Inspirations/a/Teaching-Your-Children-Basic-Manners.htm

--------------

COMMENT:

am just getting back into the education field after a four year absence and am currently taking a technology class to bring me up to date about teaching in today?s classroom. I came across this post about school property and how it should be respected. I think this lesson is extremely valuable for lower elementary students. What a great way to introduce the importance of having respect, not only for school property, but for each other as well! With technology being so prevalent in today?s classrooms, it is essential that children from all different backgrounds learn the proper way to use and value the equipment. I also loved the home connection?great way to get the family involved. I will definitely be using this lesson for my future classroom! Thank you!

Learning and Practicing Good Manners, Grades K-5

Lessons, Resources, and Activities to Practice Good Manners

By Phil Nast, retired middle school teacher and freelance writer

Manners are rules for behavior. They change with time and vary from culture to culture. Their purpose is to promote social concord. September, and the beginning of the school year, coincide with National Children's Good Manners Month, which affords a perfect opportunity to review how classroom rules ensure a harmonious classroom.

Use the following lessons, resources, and activities to practice good manners, investigate temporal and cultural differences, and test student knowledge.

Lesson Plans

Writing Good Emails Students in grades K-2 learn that emails have a 5-part structure.
Show Respect Online Students in grades K-2 examine the similarities and differences between in-person and online communications and learn how to write clear and respectful emails.
Super Digital Citizen Students in grades 3-5 explore what it means to be responsible and respectful to their offline and online communities.

Activities

The Good Behavior Game Manual (

PDF, 122 KB, 38 pgs.)
“A team competition for prizes, privileges, and special activities. Check marks are recorded on the blackboard for a team when disruptive behavior of any team member occurs. If the check marks for a team remain below a pre-set number (4) by the end of the Game the team wins. All teams may win if their check marks do not exceed the pre-set number (4).”

Games to Teach Kids Good Manners

Background Resources

Found In: classroom management, character education, health & phys. ed., preK-2, 3-5

Article Sections

Etiquette: Online Books
Links to three centuries of books on etiquette and manners for children, teens, men, and women.
Etiquette: A History of Social Dance in America
Etiquette in eighteenth and nineteenth century ballrooms

Quizzes

Printables

“Good Manners” ( PDF, 831 KB, 1 pg.)
First issued to Queensland, Australia schools in 1898.
Table Setting Guides

Booklist

National Children’s Good Manners Month
Books for primary students, recommended by Scholastic.

365 Manners Kids Should Know: Games, Activities, and Other Fun Ways to Help Children Learn Etiquette
By Sheryl Eberly
Three Rivers Press; 1 edition (November 27, 2001)
Do I Have to Say Hello? Aunt Delia's Manners Quiz for Kids and Their Grown-Ups
By Delia Ephron
Viking Adult (November 16, 1989)
The History of Manners (The Civilizing Process, Vol. 1)
By Norbert Elias
Pantheon; 1st paperback edition (August 12, 1982)
Learning How to Behave: A Historical Study of American Etiquette Books
By Arthur M. Schlesinger, Sr.
Cooper Square Publishers (1968)
A Short History of Rudeness: Manners, Morals, and Misbehavior in Modern America
By Mark Caldwell
Picador; 1st edition (July 7, 2000)

http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/learning-and-practicing-good-manners-grades-K-5.html

--------

UNITED KINGDOM

School hires etiquette coach to teach pupils manners

A state school is to draft in an etiquette expert to teach its teenagers manners and deportment, in a bid to make them more employable.

School hires etiquette coach to teach pupils manners Photo: ALAMY

Parents at Bishop Heber School, in Malpas, Cheshire, will be asked to pay towards the cost of teaching their 16 to 18-year-old children table manners, how to enter a room and how to greet people correctly.
The school’s headteacher organised the course, scheduled to take place next month, after a talk on the importance of social skills from an outside speaker.
Also covered in the day-long course is posture, how to “dress for success”, with advice on what might be more appropriate to a job interview than to seeing friends, how to speak clearly and pronounce words properly and using the right cutlery.
It even covers how to deal with the perennially tricky issues of how to eat asparagus, shell-on prawns and spaghetti properly.
Diana Mather, managing director of Public Image, the firm which will give the course, said the training helps put state and privately educated pupils on a “level playing field”.

· Etiquette for beginners: step this way

19 Oct 2011

· Etiquette lessons for children aged three

22 Jun 2010

· Fine parents of truants, primary schools told

18 Dec 2011

“Privately educated students and school boarders are given much more of this sort of training,” Ms Mather said.
“Whether it’s the debating society, school presentations or attending functions with people from older generations, they become more at ease communicating appropriately.
“Generally speaking they have much more confidence and therefore have a better start to life, although that is not to ignore the importance of home life.
"If they communicate well as a family I notice less of a difference between children from fee-paying and non fee-paying schools.”
Miss Mather, a former television presenter, leads the one-day session, which she has already delivered to private schools first taking them through how to dress to give the right impression.
The pupils are then filmed doing role play exercises which they watch back to show them how they are coming across to employers.
As part of the session she also talks to them about what is expected of men and women in the 21st century.
“Women in particular need a bit of help judging what’s appropriate,” she said. “ If girls wear low-cut tops and short skirts to an interview then she’s got to expect some sort of reaction, after all we’re all human.”
The course is in response to concerns from employers that young people are leaving school lacking social skills essential in the workplace.
Susan Anderson, Confederation of British Industry director for education and skills, said skills that employers’ value, such as good communication, are easily taught in school but the majority are failing to arm their pupils with the basics.
“These are the most important attributes that businesses look for in new recruits, but graduates are currently falling short of employers’ expectations,” she said.
“Competition for jobs is intense and unemployment remains high, so [schools] need to explain these skills better and make sure they embed them in teaching.”
Bishop Heber, rated outstanding by Ofsted, says fewer of its pupils are planning to go to university next year because of fears over tuition costs, meaning job interview skills are becoming increasingly important.
“It’s broader than just filling in an application now,” headteacher David Curry said. “On paper everyone is the same - the only discerning difference is what an interviewer sees in person. That ability to carry yourself is hugely important.
“The children don’t find it patronising, they are genuinely eager to take these skills on.”
What the timetable will look like
Morning
Social Skills and Modern Manners:
• The importance of good manners, difference between etiquette and manners.
• Social rules for international gatherings
• What is expected of men and women in the 21st century
• How to greet people correctly
• How to carry out introductions
• Role play exercises (These will be recorded, analysed and played back)
Dress for success:
• Choosing colours
• Selecting styles to suit different body shapes
• Dressing appropriately for different occasions
Lunch and table manners:
• Cutlery & flatware
• Place setting
• Common mistakes and slip-ups
• Tricky foods
Afternoon
Clear speech and voice training:
• Correct pronunciation
• Vocal exercises

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8963074/School-hires-etiquette-coach-to-teach-pupils-manners.html

----------------

AUSTRALIA...

The 'Good Manners' chart was first issued to Queensland schools in 1898 by the Department of Public Instruction as part of the systematic teaching of conduct and manners. The chart was based on rules formulated by the Children's National Guild of Courtesy which had been founded in UK elementary schools in 1889.

Photograph: The Good Manners chart.

The rules covered personal conduct at home, at school, at play, in the street, at the table and general courtesy. School rules emphasised that children should respect teachers, other students and school property. Cheating, dishonesty and cowardice were discouraged at school and play.

The chart (80cm wide x 110cm long) hung in a prominent place in the classroom or would be unrolled and hung on a map-stand. As part of lessons on 'Conduct and Manners', the teacher would run through the chart, while the children repeated each rule several times. The students were required to then put into practice, in the classroom and the playground, the instruction received.

One school inspector reported in 1899 improved discipline and 'polite behaviour of the pupils to their seniors outside the precincts of the school' and that 'the lessons on conduct and manners and those from the good manners chart, lately supplied to schools are apparently doing good'. Another district inspector was more scathing noting that the result of sending the chart to schools 'with the view to the inculcation of polite habits among the pupils' was 'but slightly appreciable'.

The chart continued to be issued to Queensland schools until the 1960s.

Download a copy of the Good Manners chart (PDF, 840 KB)

http://education.qld.gov.au/library/edhistory/topics/manners.html

--------------

BEJING.... HONG KONG- UK/CHINA

Students learn good behaviour as a life skill and we expect every member of the school community to behave in a considerate way and learn values appropriate to a courteous and caring society. We help our students grow in a safe and secure environment, and to become positive and responsible members of the global community.

Behaviour, Good Manners & Respect for Others in Practice

Our Nursery pupils learn the "golden rules", including taking turns to speak

We place a high priority on students’ behaviour and set aside time to teach them about the importance of good manners and proper social conduct.

Behaviour Policies

Our behaviour policies are designed to develop a supportive and caring community. We believe that positive behaviour is a life skill and that should be taught.

Addressing Members of Staff

We pride ourselves on providing friendly and nurturing environment, and we believe good relationships between staff and students to be essential. There are important professional boundaries, however, and a certain amount of formality is necessary to maintain appropriate relationships. Students should address members of staff using their title and name. We expect this courtesy to be extended to all of our staff, not just teachers.

Punctuality and Organisation

It is a basic expectation that students will arrive on time and with the required items to all lessons. This helps to ensure that all students make the maximum use of their learning time.

Behaviour Outside School

We expect students to maintain high standards outside school too. In particular we are concerned about any behaviour that will reflect badly on us as a school and community. We will treat any instance of poor behaviour that occurs whilst students are wearing school uniform or otherwise recognisable as members of The British School of Beijing, Shunyi as a school disciplinary issue, and we ask for the support of parents in this.

In general, if we become aware of any of our students behaving poorly or irresponsibly in the community we will inform parents, so that they have the information they need to help steer the right path with their children as they grow older.

· Behaviour, Good Manners & Respect for Others in Practice

At the heart of our school welfare programme is our belief in the importance of a respectful environment.

· Our House System and Rewards

How we encourage positive behaviour

Useful Links

· Calendar

· Moving to Beijing

· Our Culture

· The Global Classroom

· Moodle

· BSB eBook Library

Get in touch

· How to Apply

· Admissions Contacts

· Newsletter Sign Up

· Contact Nord Anglia Education

http://www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/beijing/shunyi/our-students/good-manners-and-respect-for-others/behaviour-good-manners-and-respect-for-others-in-practice

-----------

How to Practice School Manners

With hundreds of rambunctious children crammed under one roof, it's no wonder that schools are the places where good manners are often forgotten. We asked etiquette experts to share tips for following modern manners in the classroom, cafeteria, playground, and beyond.

By Angela Kwan

Manners & Responsibility: 3 Manners All Kids Should Know

While your kids may already be familiar with basic niceties, such as saying "please" or covering their mouth when sneezing, the schoolyard raises the bar on etiquette expectations. Children spend roughly a third of their day at school, so it's important that manners don't fall by the wayside when parents are out of sight. Good manners give a child the confidence to face anything and feel comfortable. They also allow him the opportunity to focus on the situation at hand, whether it's learning something new, listening to the teacher, or socializing with classmates, says Savannah Shaw, etiquette consultant and owner of Savannah Shaw & Associates. Experts agree that well-mannered children grow up to be more liked by their peers and they become better leaders. "Manners are just social behaviors that help us build and strengthen relationships," says Cindy Post Senning, Ed.D, director at Emily Post Institute and coauthor of The Gift of Good Manners. Parents should encourage good manners by instilling core values (such as respect) that drive good manners. Here, we address the morals to instill in your child and the manners he should practice in elementary school to prepare him for the world beyond.

General School Etiquette

In the Classroom

While rules vary depending on the teacher, certain manners stay the same whatever the class setting. These manners extend beyond the fundamentals of saying "please" and "thank you" to others. When interacting with teachers, children should listen attentively, raise their hand before speaking during lessons, make eye contact, and be polite when talking. Kids should also treat their peers well by listening when they speak, respecting personal space and property, and covering their mouths when coughing. Respecting the classroom, a communal space intended to be enjoyed by everyone, is another way to practice good manners; kids can do this by keeping the room tidy, for instance, hanging up their coats and putting books back on the shelf. For all do's, there are equally important don'ts kids should abide by: Don't lie, don't cheat (but do confess if you get caught), don't scream, don't interrupt, don't roll eyes, don't make fun of others for being different (in dress or speech). Regardless of the specific class rules, it's critical for children to follow them out of respect for one another and their teacher.

In the Cafeteria

"Table manners stem from two things," Dr. Post says. "Don't embarrass yourself or gross everyone out." This doesn't mean children have to dine with a full set of flatware in the cafeteria, but they shouldn't talk with their mouth full, either. Just as they do when dining at home or at someone else's house, kids should stay in their seat when eating (instead of running around disturbing others), and they should clean up after themselves by throwing away garbage and recycling cans or bottles. Also, they should not grab food or throw food at others to start a fight, or cut or "back cut" others who are waiting patiently in line for food.

On the Playground

Even when children are playing outside, they can still keep manners in mind. Kids should patiently wait for their turn, whether they're next to hop on the swing or play with the soccer ball. (And, of course, they should be mindful if the next person is waiting.) If your munchkin has a hard time waiting in line (as some adults do), explain the situation in simple terms, Dr. Post recommends: Say, "Some days you're first and some days you're last." Recess is often a free-for-all, which means it's also easy for kids to exclude others. Encourage your child to invite anyone who is playing alone to join her group's game or activity. "Such a small thing can make such a big difference for someone who isn't feeling included," says Aimee Symington, CEO of Finesse Worldwide Inc. and creator of Blunders, a board game on manners. Along the same lines, gossiping and bullying are huge no-nos, because they can harm others. "I tell my kids they need to be the friend they want to have," Dr. Post says. "They'll get that back from other kids as well," she adds.

Technology Etiquette

Policies about technology differ by school district; some students are allowed to bring smartphones and tablets to class while other kids are lucky to have access to a computer lab. But one thing is clear: New technology is blurring the lines when it comes to old-fashioned manners. First and foremost, teach children that "technology is a privilege, not a right," Shaw says. Second, help kids practice self-control. "Don't let kids use electronics in place of spending time with a person," she says. When talking to someone in person, though, kids should not talk while being preoccupied with a gadget; it's bad manners to divide attention. When communicating via technology, kids should never write anything (on the phone, in an email, or on a social-media site) that they wouldn't say to someone's face. "If your child has the ability to use electronics, teach her at a very young age, that whatever she posts can be seen by anyone at any time and can stay out there forever," Symington says.

How You Can Instill Good Manners

Practice the "Golden Rule" of parenting. As a parent, it's your responsibility to know the rules of the classroom and the school. Regardless of the specific guidelines, help your child practice good manners by setting an example. "Words are good, but they must be backed up with actions," Shaw says. She suggests slowing down -- don't be too busy for showing good manners. Take the time to be a reliable neighbor, don't gossip about others, respect your children's opinions, be present at the dinner table, and leave your smartphone in the other room. "Always be the kind of person you want your child to be," Dr. Post says.

Set clear expectations. State your expectations for good manners clearly, and help your child practice them until a good habit develops. Acknowledge the manners your kid get right, and give gentle reminders on how to improve. "Reinforce good manners until it becomes second nature," Symington says.

Identify problem areas. Have casual conversations with your child to discuss what's happening at school. Ask how certain situations make him and his classmates feel. If you can't get him to confide in you, try chatting during another activity, perhaps when you're playing catch or doing chores. "It's amazing how kids will open up if they feel that they aren't being judged," Shaw says. If your child mentions a fight that broke out on the playground, it might be the perfect opportunity to talk about bullying and being inclusive. And don't be oblivious if your child is the one who needs to improve his manners. When in doubt, check in with the teacher.

http://www.parents.com/kids/education/elementary-school/practice-school-manners/

-------------

How to Teach Your Child Good Manners

Questions and Answers

Children go to school to learn how to read and write and they go to church to learn about religion. Learning manners should be taught in the home, and it is one of the easiest things to teach, even at a very early age, but it is not always done.

Teach your child to wait their turn to speak and not to interrupt when you are speaking. Make sure that when you are done, that you give the child your full attention. Children learn by seeing so show them to respect others by respecting them.

Set the table for a family dinner, using good dishes and silverware. Place the forks on one side of the plate, and the spoons and knives on the other. Add a napkin and a glass, and place them in their proper position. Use the proper utensils as needed, as well as the napkin. They will follow your lead and will make you proud when you take them out to eat at a fancy restaurant.

Tell them the most important table manners a lot of times: Napkin on the lap (under 10 they should tuck it in, under 14 they MAY tuck it in), elbows off the table, don`t eat with your mouth opened,...

Teach a child to say thank you by having them hear you say it. No matter how young they are, never forget to say thank you to them each time they hand you something, even if it is their bottle.

Always say please each time you ask your child to do something. Children learn by what they see and hear by their parents. A hug and kiss by you, will make sure that they always remember to say that word. .

Teach them not to touch things that are on tables, either in your home or when visiting. Explain that they can look, but not touch!

Teach your child to take compliments courteously by saying thank you at appropriate times. Children copy what they see and hear so make it a point to always use those words often.

Teach a little older child to hold a door open for others, especially when entering a store. Show by how you hold the door open for others, allowing them to walk in first-instead of having the door slam in someone's face- and they will learn to do the same.

Make Sunday a family day special by wearing special clothes. Boys should wear a tucked shirt, maybe a tie and a blazer, dress pants and leather shoes. If you go to Church together, then make sure you say good morning to each person you see, and watch and notice your children do the same. If an older person is standing, while you are sitting, stand up and offer them a seat. Your children will notice, and learn, and follow your example.

Teach your child to be polite and that it is not proper to point or to stare at others who might be of a different religion or color. Point out how it can be interesting to see how different families do different things such as rituals or traditions.

Stay calm. Each time you start yelling or losing your temper, you may lose a little of your child's respect.

Be aware. There is a great difference between childish provocation and childish behavior such as forgetting to feed the dog and so forth. Some errors are child appropriate and come with the perils of growing up, while others are simply a test of what the parent may or may not allow.

Show love. Explain why the behavior is punishable and how the child may avoid this in the future. Hug and comfort them after the incident has passed as this will foster love and trust.

http://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Child-Good-Manners

------------

Students Learn Respect
Thanks to Good Manners

R-E-S-P-E-C-T-- Aretha Franklin sings for it. Rodney Dangerfield never gets any. Educators who teach good manners find it every day in student behavior. Could mastering manners make a difference in your classroom? Included: Web resources for teaching respect and good manners through stories, poems, songs, games, biographies, lesson plans, and activities.
Recently, my seventh graders found it entertaining to mimic manners from the Beaver Cleaver era. "Gee whiz, ma'am," gushed Tanner. "This was a swell class." I expressed appreciation for his etiquette revival and informed the class that students in some states are required to address teachers as "ma'am" and "sir."
"We did that in Alabama," said Casey. "When we moved to Connecticut, my fifth-grade teacher asked me to stop. She said it made her feel old."
Though the fine points of acceptable manners may vary slightly from decade to decade and from one state to another, experts agree, behavior based on respect is still the ultimate goal. Unfortunately, American adults are exhibiting less civility toward one another, and children are following suit with teachers and peers in the classroom.
In 1999, 73 percent of Americans in an ABC NEWS/World News Tonight poll thought manners were worse than 20 or 30 years ago. Respondents primarily placed the blame on inadequate parenting. They also cited movies and television shows that encouraged children to be less respectful of others. Under those circumstances, it's no surprise that manner illiteracy is rampant in classrooms from coast to coast.

WHY SPEND TIME ON MANNERS?

Although character education is a hot topic in schools across the nation, education in manners generally receives scant attention. With growing demands on teaching time, etiquette is rarely a priority. But it might be a mistake to ignore the adage that actions speak louder than words.
In "Teaching Children Manners" (from the Better Homes and Gardens Guide to Parenting), psychologist John Rosemond declares that manners and respect are inseparable. He believes children can never learn to respect themselves unless they learn respect for others-- beginning with adults. His suggestions that can help teach manners are as follows:

· Work on one skill at a time.

· Give immediate positive feedback for manners success.

· Be tolerant of children's mistakes, but do not overlook them.

· Give a noncritical prompt when children forget social rituals.

· Set a good example-- manners are not a one-way street.

Etiquette author Letitia Baldrige shares a strong opinion on the value of manners training. In "Manners for the Modern Child," she reports her admonition to teach good manners to children to help them develop self-esteem and self-confidence. Baldrige links manners with kindness and good human relations. Much of her advice promotes taking advantage of teachable moments, including the following instructions:

· Advise children of behavioral expectations ahead of time.

· Point out to children observed acts of kindness and manners.

· Admit your mistake if a child catches you using bad manners; discuss other ways you could have handled the situation.

According to the National Association of Elementary School Principals, lack of good manners is a growing problem in classrooms and playgrounds. It addressed the widespread problem of disrespect in a "Good Manners" report to parents. Tips for adults interested in improving children's social behavior included the following:

· Stress to children the importance of treating others the same way they like to be treated.

· Help children understand the harm caused by thoughtless, unkind words and actions.

· Role-play difficult situations for children in order to demonstrate appropriate responses.

· Establish a politeness policy for basic manners.

· Teach children the importance of thinking of others; write thank-you notes.

STUDENTS 'BUY IN' TO MANNERS

At Paxtonia Elementary School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a Good Manners Committee launched a program to decrease teaching time lost to unmannerly behavior. The PTA helped design a three-part program, providing parent volunteers and financial support.
For the Good Manners Reading Time program, teachers chose manners books and volunteers read them to every class. Subsequent book discussions helped children reflect on their own behaviors.
The Good Manners Money component of the program rewarded random acts of good manners observed throughout the school year by "mystery manners persons." Recognized students received 25-cent coupons for the school store, as well as acknowledgements in morning announcements and in the PTA newsletter.
The Mr. or Mrs. Manners Weekly Q + A part of the program enticed fifth-grade sleuths to investigate the intricacies of etiquette by answering weekly questions submitted by other classes. Questions and answers were shared with the entire school.
Individual teachers also expanded the program into their own subject areas. The music teacher taught good manners songs to students. Children in art classes drew posters of good manners for the school hallways. Every student in one class even remembered to send thank-you notes to the PTA.

BRINGING MANNERS TO THE TABLE

Any doubts that manners are facing extinction can be dispelled with a peek into school cafeterias. The fast-paced drive-through eating habits of many families can leave children hungry for mealtime etiquette. To fill the order, some teachers are serving up dining skills with a special menu of respect.
"Students Pass the Manners, Please," a Seattle Times article, put a spotlight on manners put to the test in an elegant hotel restaurant. Guided by a parent volunteer, the middle school class at Seattle's Alternative School No. 1 mastered etiquette training to prepare for the formal dinner. They learned to remove hats, hold doors, and make eye contact when speaking. Many held forks and knives the proper way for the first time. "Please" and "thank you" liberally seasoned the polite conversation at the table.
Third- and fourth-grade students at Village School in Campbell, California, were the talk of the town in a program called Mother May I?, as they practiced their manners at a candlelit luncheon. Mothers prepared and served the meal after students spent weeks reading books on manners, setting tables, and even rehearsing toasts. Wearing their best clothes on the big day, the students sat politely and made sure to eat with their mouths closed.

FILL YOUR PLATE WITH MANNERS RESOURCES FROM THE WEB

Not every teacher has the help of the PTA, classroom volunteers, or a food budget to motivate manners in students. Most Web ideas for promoting respectful behavior require none of those resources.
Good Manners Are Fun! persuades students in grades 2 through 4 to practice manners through computer activities spanning a unit or a yearlong theme. Nineteen suggestions for integrating manners and technology into the curriculum are provided. Some of the examples call for students to

· write and publish original books on good manners,

· create manner problem stories for the rest of the class to read and role-play,

· design HyperCard stacks on the proper use of eating utensils,

· combine sound and graphics to demonstrate making introductions,

· take digital pictures of children using good manners, add text, and publish them as posters.

Advice for parents and ideas for community involvement in manners education is also included.
Second-grade teacher Shirley Denison developed a Respect Lesson Plan as part of the character education project at Kamali'i School in Maui, Hawaii. She introduced the topic of respect by reading How My Parents Learned to Eat, by Ina R. Friedman, and Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney. Students discussed ways to be respectful and typed their thoughts on the computer. They added pictures to match the words and posted their projects on the Web.
There is no shortage of literature focusing on the value of respect. Stimulate higher-order thinking on respect with anecdotal stories and biographical Sketches of famous people who demonstrated values. The Whootie Owl's Stories Web page offers a wealth of positive behavior stories for elementary school students. The multicultural folktales cover a range of themes, including cooperation, kindness, and selflessness. Fairy tale games and the opportunity to hear Whootie Owl's voice are additional features. Teaching materials for the stories are available.

SINGING THE PRAISES OF MANNERS

Teach your class to start each day with a rousing musical rendition of manners. As an example, the following song is sung to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell":

Manners are the way
To brighten up my day.
Please and thank you's what I say
To brighten up my day.

Manners Activity Theme will provide you with poems, role plays, crafts, games, and teaching guidelines. Many simple rhymes will help children link manners and respect. For instance:

Manners

We say, "Thank you."
We say, "Please."
We don't interrupt or tease.
We don't argue. We don't fuss.
We listen when folks talk to us.
We share our toys and take our turn.
Good manners aren't too hard to learn.
It's really easy, when you find.
Good manners means
JUST BEING KIND!
You'll never run out of good things to say about respect and other values after you visit the Resources-Quote Library. This quotation bank of insightful statements can be a thought-provoking educational resource for older students.
Quoting the ancient Greeks is a good way to explain what manners are all about.

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." --Aesop

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON MANNERS

Minors in Possession of Bad Manners
Students designed this site providing a teenage perspective on past and present etiquette standards.
Don't miss the Education World BOOKS IN EDUCATION story, Mind Your Manners: New Books Help Out! Three books use popular formats to remind students of good manners they already know! Use the books with kids of all ages, and then let them create their own imitation manner manuals. Your students are sure to say thank you for a fun-- and educational-- classroom lesson!
Joan Luddy-Education World

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr232.shtml