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Common Sense & Home-School Etiquette by Sylvia Hemme |
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"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." I Corinthians 13:11
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a child proper manners as he grow, helps him fulfill this verse's
mandate — acting less and less like a child and more and more like an
adult. While we should not expect children to act like miniature adults,
we can expect them to learn age-appropriate behaviors.
As a home-school mom I am especially conscious of how my children behave, not just in public where they may be the only example of a home-schooled child that people In my area see, but also in my home where we spend many more hours together than the average American family. I want those hours to be pleasant ones where peace and grace are promoted. When my two boys were very active toddlers, I did not have the energy to try and teach them manners. I knew they should be saying "please" and "thank you," but for the time being it was easier for me to say it for them — as I chased them around the play-ground, pulled them off the kitchen counters, spanked their hands as they went for the electrical socket, and generally just tried to keep up with them. However, when they got a little older (and I was able to catch my breath) I plunged into the manner's thing." After much reiterating on my part and practicing on their part, I am happy to say they are fairly well-mannered boys. It's human nature to be selfish, grabbing for what we want, pushing all others out of the way. It's necessary to teach a child to be thoughtful of others and how to live with people according to recognized rules of civil conduct. Some basic, common-sense starting points in teaching a child manners can be found in the encyclopedia under the word, "etiquette." The following are examples of where to begin in determining what basic philosophy and standards you will set for your household. Our standard is what has been referred to for hundreds of years as "The Golden Rule for Living." "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you." Matthew 7:17
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Basic Etiquette for Children: • Say "Please" when you are asking for something. No one likes to have things grabbed away from them. • Say "thank you" when you are given something. Everyone appreciates a kind word. • Chew with your mouth closed. Nuff said about that! • Sit quietly and listen when you are a part of the audience. When it's your turn to shine, you will not want to be interrupted. • Do not run when you are in a crowd. This behavior can cost you an arm and a leg... literally! • Be careful of and polite toward adults, especially elderly adults. Every parent has a vested interest in stressing this one. • Speak kindly to everyone. An unkind word can ruin everyone's day.
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Preparing for a home-school field trip provides a perfect opportunity for parents to exhibit consideration and manners for their children's benefit. Small kindnesses count! The following are examples of home-school etiquette that a parent can mirror for their child.
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Home-school Etiquette for Field Trips: ...because you may be the only example of homeschooling "they" see! • Observe the age level of the field trip. Since little ones can be distracting, find a sitter or co-op with other mothers whenever possible. • Register if asked and call to cancel if you can't make it. Having people show up who were not on the list or not show up who were on the list, isn't considerate and is stressful for everyone involved. • Be on time. Latecomers are disruptive. • Stay with your child. Remember, this is not a free baby-sitting service, it is an educational event. • Have a designated leader. In consideration of your hostess who may have to make certain decisions during your tour, be sure that someone is designated as "the leader. " • Have the host make clear what is "hands-on" and "hands-off." Parents should make sure their kids observe all the facility's rules. • Prepare for the field trip. Let your child know what to expect academically and what behaviors are expected before the trip begins. • The leader should make sure a thank-you note Is sent. Have a card ready for the kids sign as they leave. Mail it right away or walk it back in before you leave.
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Basically, good manners start with common sense and consideration for others. A home-schooling parent, like any good teacher, should show a child by example how manners are correctly implemented. Any home-schooling family can experience an increase in peace as parents model and children follow the example of common sense manners and home-school etiquette.
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| Sylvia Hemme is a long-time home-school mom who has an elementary education degree from Florida State University. She is also the coordinator of Children and Parents Educational Resource Services, where original curriculum resources are for sale. For more information you can contact C.A.P.E.R.S at the address below. | ||
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