What is the best way to teach kids etiquette? ?

Question

I work with 3-6th graders and would like to teach them manners and etiquette. I would like some ideas and pointers. Like main points I should cover or maybe even a good book about this. Thanks!

Answer 1

Miss Manners' etiquette books are a good source. They're a little antiquated, but the basics never change.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, the best way is by example, and you can't do anything about the examples they're getting at home. Some kids are just doomed that way. Where you can have the most influence is in "please" and "thank you." Just make it a requirement in your class, and when you need to remind someone, reinforce why it's important. And teach them other things that will help them function better in the world, like exit comes before entry. Everyone should learn that so that everyone knows what to expect and you don't have the crashes and dancing when going through doors or getting on or off an elevator. If you ever have a substitute, teach them about writing thank you notes by having them send one to the sub.



Etiquette takes place everywhere. Not just at the dinner table.



Please, for the love of all that is good and holy, teach kids manners if their parents won't do it! ;)

Answer 3

You could have a mock party, where you have them dress up and come in. This way you can cover greeting someone, proper dress, table manners, conversation, etc. Once they get the basics, you have them host a party for their parents, where they get to play host. Also, try going to ehow.com, or something like that and see what they have. I'm sure there are books and lesson plans all over the web on teaching kids etiquette.

Answer 4

In my experience, kids won't pick up on teaching by example.



Teach lessons about manners and then do guided practice to reinforce the lessons. This could be in the form of skits, which children that age like.



I always liked Highlights Magazine, with Goofus & Gallant - if you can locate some of those, that would be a good resource for putting skits together.

Answer 5

Give them examples and even make a kind of game out of it. Discuss certain situations where etiquette rules would apply. You can talk about being a good neighbor, holding a door for the person behind you, saying "please and thank you" and even how to eat particular foods (what needs a knife and fork and what is a finger food).

Answer 6

Set out a dinner table and teach them about dining etiquette. Maybe teach them posture and proper greetings (Nice to meet you, sir; Yes, Ma'am). I had a charm class when I was a kid and it has helped me all my life.

Answer 7

This is the best series of books ever:



http://www.amazon.com/Goops-How-Be-Them-Inculcating/dp/155709392X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230142492&sr=8-1



It is timeless and ageless, the stories appeal to every age, kids just love the books the stories and the drawings.

Answer 8

With an iron fist, a wooden yardstick, a good branch or a leather belt...

Answer 9

"Chicken fingers mack and cheese why do i always have to say please?"



It's a book on etiquette in restaurants. check with your local children's library and i bet they have many others.

Answer 10

By personal example.