This giveaway is now closed. This month we’re thrilled to give away the How Rude!® book, jar, and poster set. Humorous and helpful, these versatile tools teach tweens and teens how to use manners to gain respect, feel good about themselves, and enjoy life to the fullest. One lucky reader will win:
To Enter: Leave a comment below with your best tip for teaching marvelous manners. This giveaway is now closed.
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Each comment counts as a separate entry—that’s four chances to win! Entries must be received by midnight, July 27, 2018.
The winner will be contacted via email on or around July 30, 2018, and will need to respond within 72 hours to claim his or her prize or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Winner must be a US resident, 18 years of age or older.
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Lead by example.
Use social stories and
Have conversations as to why we use manners, what are manners, where and when to use manners (everywhere) and then practice using our manners in all sorts of different scenarios all through the day! We can talk about manners but for a lot of students/people we have to give them the tangible tools of practice in order to build the routine as well as expectations of using good manners.
This would be great to work with students in the early grades as it builds character.
I often use social stories as a teaching tool for positive behaviors.
When teaching mannerisms, I like to keep it explicit, direct, and simple (e.g. if you do this, then this will happen). A lot of times, I focus on the positives and the rewards.
It is all about leading by example! Show it in your day to day as a teacher, and teach it during those moments when kids need help with it.
We have several good fun books on manners in the library we share. We model our expectations and use gentle reminders.
Model, model, model.
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Practice what you preach – model the behavior you would like to see reflected in your kids/students!
I make sure to use my manners and acknowledge a child for remembering to use their manners- I think when they hear that we heard them they are re-enforced and will continue to do so with others.
I work with children with different problems. It will be a good tool for me to help the kids to learn the rules of social interactions
While teaching good manners we play a game in which the students have an opportunity to pick from a basket, scenarios about manners. A student gets to read the situation, and then the class gives feedback on what may need to be done in that situation. The students are able to give information on how they would handle the situation, and receive feedback from peers. The students seem to enjoy the interactions with peers regarding this issue.
Have family date night! Observe other people and their interactions, behaviors, and manners…..focus on the good ones, then talk about what else you see regarding their interactions and how you think they and others feel. This can be done in small groups at school too.
Students input on what they believe is to be rude and what consists an act of being rude is a first step. Asking them how have they felt when someone is rude to you and have they been rude towards others is a follow up. Finally, ask What can we do about it? beyond ‘How Rude!”
Teaching manners as a song.
Compliment students when they demonstrate appropriate manners.
Building relationships with your students and having a healthy class/school culture are key. Modeling the positive behaviors on a regular basis is also important. This does not have to be within the confines of a lesson; students are always watching and learn from observed behaviors.
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A great way to teach manners is to role-play with costumes. We created a character in class, Miss Mistake™ who shows an inappropriate way to behave (e.g., interrupting, littering, not listening, etc.) and then the kids can dress-up and show the better, more respectful way. It helps when it is fun and interactive so they can remember!
One way I teach table manners is by having a tea party. I set a semi formal table setting and my students come in dressed up more than normal. I’ve done this for over 10 yrs and is always a big hit with the students.
The best way is to be a model for good manners yourself! Students are always watching even if you think they aren’t!
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Within a PBIS framework, we really work to explicitly teach what is and isn’t good manners, and then consistently reinforce when children are showing good manners
As a board certified music therapist working with children, I create or use preexisting songs that teach manners.
I help parents to review good manners so they can help their children know them.
when we model good behavior that should also include manners and depending on age group we should be reminding our students that we need to use them even if we sing a silly song about manners that we make up as we go. I always ask my ready2learn group “what do you say” when they are served snack and lunch and when I notice they need help or want something I will say how do we ask and remind them what words we should be using.
Build relationships, relationships, relationships. Also, try not to show judgement when a student uses poor manners; rather, take some to talk with him or her about the action and discuss ways to use improved manners the next time.
We use a lot of Social Thinking Concepts, especially the phrase, “when you do that, people have uncomfortable thoughts”. It allows students the chance to stop and reflect.
Video self-modeling is great for practicing and viewing expected behaviors!
I love using teachable moments as they happen. It seems to be easier for all. I also love using video clips from their favorite shows to talk about what was good and what was not so good.
Setting good examples are the best lessons.
Meet individually with students prior to small groups to help them receive more practice.
Role playing desirable behaviors.
Lead by example!! Be sure to use manners and show respectful listening in and outside the classroom with both students and other teachers!
Teaching behavior and expectations is the foundation for the whole school year!
I work with manners for our Kindergarteners most often. We will read a story and do an activity and role play some of the manners we learn. I also like to model manners, so they see adults using manners as well.
We have high expectations for our students in respect to their manners. Each morning, we remind students to show respect, be kind, include everyone, etc. If students omit “please” and “thank you” in their conversations, we remind them to use those words.
Creating special events and pre-teaching all of the manners and behaviors that are expected.
I have “a sign for that” that a student got me as a gift. I have signs by date on board that students create. I do the first one: solicit a list of things done by “that person” in class that gets on students’ last nerves…. after a list is compiled, I say, “Don’t be that person!” I make a sign that says, “Don’t be that person!” hung on 3M hooks. Students are invited to make signs with motivational quotes that hang up until the next one is added. If I see rudeness in any shape or fashion, I just say, “There’s a sign for that,” and point to the signs. One of my darlings had a sign professionally made for me as a gift. It’s the words framed inside a frame! The beautiful effectiveness of this strategy is that my kids police tgemselves and each otheroften saying don’t be that person or I’m sorry I don’t mean to be that person. I call them my kids because by the end of the year, they’re my heart. And yes— I have a sign for that as well! One of our other favorite signs is one by the wall clock and class bell schedule that says, “we work bell to bell.” It’s also in fine print on the clock itself.
I model the appropriate behavior. Ignore the inappropriate behavior. Call attention to those who are doing the right thing.
I like to have students role play rude behavior humorously, then role play, again, modeling the appropriate behavior.
My best line of defense is demonstating the behavior we are seeking. I always greet students by name and I pull out all the stops at lunch groups. I praise students who are doing the desirable and often create conversation among students when I see something to improve.
My school, probably like so many, is suffering from the rudeness epidemic. We are planning on making manners a school wide focus in 2018-19 and I could really benefit from these materials.
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Modeling and reaching to support learners by using appropriate behaviors.
Role Modeling is very important. As well, guiding children through social interactions with others in real time. ” wave goodbye. Say excuse me. Did you say thank you?”
Modeling, modeling, modeling positive and appropriate behavior.
We stop and explore feelings and ways to avoid hurt feelings when there’s a “flare up” in class. Even when I’ve taught Kindergarten the students come to be able to suggest alternate suggestions to navigate tough situations.
Talk with students about why manners are important and model the expectation.
Model good behavior across all staff memebers and reward good behavior from students in meaningful and recognized ways!
Model good manners and reinforce when they are used!
Model good manners, speak like you would like to be spoken to and talk about what you or they are feeling. Validation goes a long way.
my favorite quote: “you kiss your mother with that mouth?”
Get a couple of teachers the kids know and make a video of manners vs nonmanners! Have the kids point out what they see and then show the same video with polite scenarios. Kids love this!
I do a LOT of coaching with both my students and my children! I find that you have to explicitly teach and coach the behaviors you want to see.
I love to find examples of students their age from video clips or news stories feeling good about treating other people so kindly. I also look for opportunities to recognize their kindnesses (e.g. “I noticed you put your hand down when I called on someone else. That was very thoughtful.”).
I teach therapeutic horseback riding (as well as being a para-pro at a high school) and there is a lot of talk to riders about “feelings”, both theirs and the horse. There are manners for riding, too, and they share the same goals: look nice, look professional (adult), work to get better responses (from humans and horses), and are a good habit to develope!
middle school and high school: one word on index card that group must demonstrate (respect, rude, polite, gratitude, empathy, etc)
model good manners
Teaching and modeling! Very important.
Practice with the students daily – prepare visual cards and have students act out illustrated manner.
Always treat people how you want to be treated.
We use modeling good manners, at mealtimes before the children are served we go over good table manners, and we have open discussions with the older children. Often I say to them something like, “If the tables were turned and he was treating you that way, how would you feel?” and sometimes I have to give them a word to use for the feeling, like angry, hurt, or sad.
My favorite way of teaching marvelous manners is to model the behavior you wish to see. Also to point out when their behavior positively impacted someone else. Children are always watching!
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Open discussion–especially with 5th grade and up–on digital manners is vital. Too often, with the speed of technology, we have forgotten how to teach that what we say on digital media is just as important as if we said it face-to-face. So, I ask these students what they think the one most important rule is that they should follow when using any form of digital communication.
Manners are so important and should be taught at home starting at an early age. I remind my students often of appropriate manners.
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I love teaching manners through modeling and role play!
My best advice to teach manners? Model and practice everyday. Students need practice to make manners a habit.
I love to have students act out inappropriate and appropriate manners from the book. They then act out how you can choose to respond to them. Students usually have a lot of fun…especially with the inappropriate manners!
Model the behavior you want the child to use. When teaching- tell them what you WANT for them to do not what you don’t want for them to do- use a positive approach. Also compliment students when they use appropriate language.
We should teach by example. We should be the role model for how to talk to and treat others.
Ask the student to rethink their response and tell them that I will come back to them
I love that this set of materials is so RELEVANT, timely and RELATABLE for kiddos. The humor is the perfect vehicle to carry the message and the messages are presented from a teen’s/kid’s perspective so that they can really reflect on how both other’s impact them as well as vice versa.
My tip for teaching behavior are to consistently model what you’d like to see, keep an open mind as all kiddos don’t have the same home values-thus they need the practice those critical skills, have a sense of humor, admit my own mistakes/faux pas and I feel that reflection is such a powerful tool…….
I incorporate “Monster Manners” in the classroom. We talk about what manners shouldn’t look like and then put in practice what we want to see.
I ask the students to “pause and rewind” to “replay the scene” and change the outcome.
I have purchased a class set of these books and let someone pick a chapter and we all take turns reading it and discussing it. Each time it has brought about great discussions and lots of laughter. This is an amazing book for teaching the teens about manners!!!!
I ask children “pause and rewind” to give them another chance to “replay the scene” and change the outcome.
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I love the toothpaste test! When teaching my elementary students a lesson on choosing your words wisely, toothpaste does the trick. Students LOVE to squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube in big blue-green globs, BUT the not so fun part is when they are told to “take their words back” by putting the toothpaste BACK in the tube! 😳
I have found Role Reversal to be a great teacher of manners with my students (with a little over-exaggeration). Through the laughter we learn our lessons.
Appropriate modeling of good manners that are used on a daily basis. Creating anchor charts with how to show good manners in various places. Hosting a “fancy” dinner/lunch where kids learn about manners when dining–great way to review/reteach cafeteria behaviors!
Modeling good manners is always appropriate, no matter who’s around. I also like to role-play when there’s a time/place for it. Students need practice to make good manners a basic habit, and to give them confidence when there’s a tough situation to navigate.
Modeling and positive reinforcement for proper in person and online manners.
We need to lead by example, modeling good manners is the best way to teach children.
Modeling good behavior, and also having a quick talking point about why the behavior is a good one so it is not just an arbitrary rule, there is a purpose behind good manners.
Modeling and dramatic role play!
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I love to affirm kindness in our library.
Offer specific praise for each accomplishment or milestone reached, including using good manners. “Good morning,” “Please,” and “Thank You” are good manners words that all kids need to know.
Start teaching manners when they are infants through baby sign.
Best way to teach manners is for providers, teachers, caregivers to model manners and also explain what manners are and how to use nice manners. It can also be helpful to use books and other child friendly modes to teach good manners to children. Praise children for using good manners.
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Working with young children it’s always a good idea to cover manners in their lessons
We are working diligently on trying to model the best actions for our kiddos. This would add to the library of materials the behavior coach and I as the PBIS coach could share with our team to create the collaborative and caring environment we strive for at our middle school.
Best tip for teaching good manners is to model it. Students learn by our example.
The book “Rude Giants” easily leads to a discussion about manners with elementary students.
Hold the door for a person behind you.
Teach little children that “please” and “thank you” are magic words!
Modeling for me is important especially with lower grades and younger children. You model first and then praise those who are doing it!
After each meal, say “Thank you for this delicious meal” to the person who prepared it.
My best tip for teaching manners is to model it for my children.
Lead by example!
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play an improv game where students have a scenario which requires good manners and have students act it out – have students start and then other students can jump into specific roles to play out the scene in different ways – with good manners, bad manners and everything in between
A great way to teach manners to our youth is to read stories with characters that display good manners. Through character analysis and group discussion of the character’s actions, students will come to imitate the ways of exemplary characters.
The best way to teach good manners is to model good manners.
Teach by example and remember to compliment positive behaviors.
Say it to children until it becomes the norm.
Good manners always start with modeling and then repetition of that modeling over and over. Eventually, the child will just do it on their own!
Model! Show children what good manners look like and they will follow.
Let’s get back to saying, “You’re welcome,” rather than, “No worries” or “no problem!”
My most successful approach to teaching good manners involve my students accommodating patient though through their actions. By that, I mean that technology has caused many young teens (I teach 8th Graders), to loose their ability to think more about their actions. I think this is a natural consequence of the faster pace of processing brought on by personal technology. So, what does that mean. It means that when something happens, good or bad influence on appropriate manners, I pause, with my students, to acknowledge the action(s), that is so often blown through without a second thought. These long pauses have yielded heightened awareness of higher expectations for good manners.
The best tip I have is to model manners if you want a child to do or say something you must model model model.
I believe the best way is by modeling appropriate manners ourselves!
One of the best ways to teach to teach manners is to model manners as a teacher!
Model marvelous manners – with students, teachers, admin, custodians, etc.
The best tip is have patience and a toolbox full of classroom management skills/ideas ready to go in your mind and change up the strategies as much as possible to keep kids’ attention to learn.
I like to model the “bad manners” that I see. The kids love correcting the adult! And in the correcting they realize their own mistakes.
Model them yourself! Simple but so true.
Think is this kind or helpful and if it isn’t don’t say it.
It would be nice if the Teenagers of now in days, respect their elders. I see so many of them walking in bunches like if there is going to be a Gang War and overlooking those frighten Seniors when they pass them by. Please be kind to our Seniors for they are full of Wisdom and Knowledge that some youngster now in days don’t know anything about. It’s rude to walk by and crank a wisecrack at our United States Citizens Elders. Please don’t be bias either for Seniors are Seniors no matter what Country they come from. It’s just Rude in some ways to just ignore a loving Old Lady or Old Man that might just need your help today!
Invite students for a lunch bunch or tea party to practice their marvelous manners!
I make manners part of everyday. If manners aren’t used then I don’t respond.
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I would love this! My best tip for teaching manners is “catching kids” using good manners and REALLY showering that kiddo with praise. It not only reinforces the behavior for the child who is doing the right thing, but it highlights for other kiddos nearby that this may be something worthwhile for them too?
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My best tip for teaching marvelous manners is to be the role model in demonstrating desired behavior. 🙂
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It is important for teachers to model good manners, including appropriate language. I also create anchor charts with my class when we discuss what being respectful looks like and sounds like.