The Month in Manners

It's finally here! That busy time of year that commands so much to be done in such a short amount of time. The students are getting restless for winter vacation, the semester is coming to an end, and you have a million and one things to do. During this hectic time it is best to simplify. We like to select a lesson topic and use it for the month.  At this time of year, we find the topic of manners to be applicable and appropriate for many of our students.

Here are a few ideas we like to focus on:

• Conversational rules/manners involving interrupting, appropriate dinner table-friendly topics, and body language and posture
• Table manners involving eating and drinking...this is a big one: no double dipping! 
• Using pleasantries such as, please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, etc.
• Acceptable behavior while in your own home vs. being a guest at someone else's home

Fun ways to teach and practice manners can include:

• An interactive trivia game through PowerPoint 
• Analyzing movie clips*
• Have a "feast" of healthy snacks at a table which require passing and serving of food.  Students must ask for items and interact with those around them.
• Make a collage of foods, people, and words/topics cut from magazines

* When using movie clips, be sure to screen all clips prior to showing and do make sure the clips are appropriate for your age group. Here are a few clips we enjoy for adolescents:
  - opening dinner scene from Step Brothers (be sure to edit this clip!)
  - pizza/dinner scene from Home Alone
  - many Adam Sandler films
  - there are also countless video clips available on Youtube involving the topic of manners

Enjoy!