Featured Article:
Manners Matter
The song says, “Teach Your Children Well”. Remember the “Golden Rule”? The golden rule is best interpreted as saying: "Treat others only in ways that you're willing to be treated in the same exact situation." To apply it, you'd imagine yourself in the exact place of the other person on the receiving end of the action. If you act in a given way toward another, and yet are unwilling to be treated that way in the same circumstances, then you violate the rule. Application of this “rule” requires knowledge and imagination. We need to know what effects our actions have on others and imagine ourselves in the other person’s place receiving those actions. How can we help children learn the precepts of the “Golden Rule”? Manners matter.
The following website discusses ways in which we can creatively teach manners. Some of the suggestions: Using 'Simon Says' and 'Follow the Leader' to teach manners; creating songs or rhymes that help remind the children of rules; and discussing recent visits to a restaurant or fast food place as a way of introducing table manners.
Make 'Manners' your theme for the week; prepare a list of materials and resources available; and plan a variety of projects and games you can use to teach children about manners. For some ideas, visit:
Helpful Hints:
The Secret Code
It is very frustrating when a child constantly interrupts during a
conversation or a group activity. Children place themselves at the
center of their little universe and expect everyone else to do the same.
Interrupting is a child’s way of attempting to gain attention when the
focus is no longer about them. If this behavior is not immediately nipped
in the bud, expect the interrupting to escalate and get worse over time.
Can a “secret code” be the answer?
Young children can be taught how to interrupt someone politely using the "The Secret Code to the Interrupt Rule." Teach a child to put their hand gently on the back of your arm, they can zip their mouth and not say a word. That is his secret code to tell you that he has a question or needs something.
Teachers want to respond quickly to children, but we don't want to be rude to others. With the "Secret Code," you can continue your conversation until there is a break in the flow of thought, and then politely say, "Excuse me just a moment," and turn to the child, and say, "Yes, Mary. What do you need?"
Children love to know that they have a "Secret Code" to get your attention, and they don't have to yell or have a temper tantrum to get noticed. How many “Secret Codes” can you come up with? Have the children participate in choosing “Secret Codes”. Here is a free lesson plan on manners:
Creative Corner:
Tracking Manners: Craft for Preschoolers
Are you looking for a fun way to teach preschool manners?
This preschool manners craft does just that. Students will have a great time making and using this craft. You and their parents will have a great time rewarding them for their good manners!
For those too young to work with glue, scissors, markers, yarn and crayons, you can provide various material and a blank piece of construction paper for them. Remember art is a time the child can develop their imagination. Let them design their own apron pocket and you can put their name on their pocket. You can even use paper plates cut in half to make pockets and when decorated glue or staple to a large apron.
Visit the following website for a craft you can use to help teach your preschoolers manners.
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