MASTERING BACK TO SCHOOL MANNERS
I am so blessed to recently launch a column in the "Chesapeake Current", a great, local, paper proudly serving Calvert and southern Anne Arundel countries. As students get ready across the Maryland to go back to school, I shared tips on how to ease kids back into the rhythm of textbooks and yellow buses. As you enjoy this last weekend of summer, consider reviewing these tidbits with your kids to ensure they have a successful school year.
The local beaches and pools are packed with kids having summertime fun. With Labor Day near, dusting off your kid’s good manners for the classroom will give them the skills they need to make new friends, compete for coveted spots on teams, win that interview for college, and eventually be successful.
Review these simple manners tips with your back-to-school children. Make it a poolside game! Read the pointers together and see how many they can recall.
First Impressions Last. Before the first day of school, remind your children to:
1. Smile and say "Hello”
2. Make eye contact
3. Speak up and speak clearly
Jennifer Griffith, principal of Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings, notes all schools value the importance of good manners, "Our school ommunity is committed to providing an environment where each and every child is nurtured to appreciate living a life of faith, truth and respect." Cardinal Hickey Academy is a Catholic school honored as a 2015 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schoo of Excellence.
Ride the Bus in Style. Tell your kids to smile when boarding the bus and a "thank you” as they exit the bus. While riding to and from school, kids should stay in their seats with no rough-housing or shouting, keep the bus clean, and be kind to other riders.
Pay Attention, Raise Your Hand, and Listen Up. After a summer of shouting outdoors, it can be difficult to control your volume. Remind your kids that they need to raise their hands and be called on before they can talk. Practice this skill at home. Talking, slouching over a desk, yawning, texting, or surfing the net in class is disrespectful.
Saying "Please,” "Thank you,” "Excuse Me,” and "I’m Sorry” Works Wonders. Using these words at school will help your kids make friends, diffuse arguments, and receive what they need.Laura Amin, the principal of The Tidewater School, endorses the magic of these words. "As an independent school that is focused on preparing students with strong academic, critical thinking, and social skills, providing students with lessons on appropriate manners helps our children build confidence." The Tidewater School, Huntingtown, has focused for nearly 30 years on providing students with a Montessori program in a mixed-age, hands-on model with small teacher to student ratios.
Don’t Forget the Don’ts. Kids should know them: Don't lie, don't cheat (but do confess if you get caught), don't scream, don't interrupt, don't roll eyes, don't make fun of or bully others. Kids should follow class rules out of respect for one another and their teachers.
Teacher Gift Giving Tips for Parents. It is considerate to let teachers know that you and your kids appreciate them. Here is how to fit school gifts into your budget.
1. Budget and plan for your donations and teacher gifts in advance.
2. Communicate your plan to the room parent.
3. Have a set of gift cards handy. "Local businesses like mine have great gift ideas or gift cards that can help,” shared Celia Molofsky, North Beach, owner of The Wheel, a boutique, gallery, and tavern.
Lastly, parents don’t just relay these tips. Have casual conversations with your kids to discuss what's happening at school and talk about manners with your family. Consistency in courtesy leads to confident success!