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By Catherine M. Pruissen

Etiquette means behaving
yourself a little better than
is absolutely essential.
~ Will Cuppy ~

It's no surprise to most people that a lack of good manners in children is a growing problem in classrooms and playgrounds. As we head into
National Etiquette Week, child care online thought it befitting to share a few simple tips for improving social behavior and good character in our youngsters. After all, children aren't born with good manners, they must be taught.

Teach

Many children are not aware of their bad manners and must be taught not only what not to do, but given examples of what to do instead.

Prepare the Children
Let the children know in advance what manners are expected of them in certain social situations such as an outing to the Police Dept., or when someone visits your facility. Younger children can benefit from a role-play what they might expect.

Expect Good Manners:
Expect children to use the good manners they have been taught. If a child persists in purposefully demonstrating bad manners, give him or her alternatives to their behaviour such as a time out

Be Consistent
Require good manners every day and over time they will become second nature to the children.

Correct Privately
If a child is acting in a rude way, lead him

away from the situation and briefly correct

him. Let him know you appreciate and love him, the briefly explain why the behaviour was impolite and offer suggestive ways the child can act correctly. That way you can send him back into the situation prepared to change for the better.

Praise Good Behaviour
Praise a child for using good manners or when see them being polite. Praise reinforces the good manners lets the children know that it's the kind of behavior you expect.

Establish a Zero Tolerance Policy
Establish "zero tolerance" policy for indoor and outdoor behavior like pushing, not sharing, interrupting, or bullying.

Establish a Politeness Policy
Establish a politeness policy in conjunction with your "zero tolerance policy" gives the children clear examples of what is considered good manners. For example, let the children know that no request is considered unless they say "please" and that you expect a "thank you" after a kind deed.

Role Model Good Manners
If you want your children to show good manners and respect, you first have to model appropriate behavior. Reinforce your politeness policy by saying please and thank you. Show the children how to admitting your mistakes and apologize. Treat everyone, especially the parents and caregivers with kindness and respect. You'll be amazed at how quickly your children will behave in kind with each other, and with the adults in their life.

Resources:

The Thingumajig Book of Manners, by Irene Keller, Dick Keller (Illustrator) Published by Ideals Children's Books.

Manners Themes and Activities will provide you with poems, role plays, crafts, games, and teaching guidelines.

Students Learn Respect-- Thanks to Good Manners! - By Joan Luddy, Education World®

Good Manners - National Association of Elementary School Principals