School Etiquette – Children tend to act out on impulses and aren’t aware of what’s best for them. Additionally, many parents wish their children to understand what to do; however, they aren’t sure how to start. There are many ways to impart manners to your children, but foremost, by modeling your own, as children tend to imitate what they see their parents do.
Etiquette should be taught from the earliest age possible since it is difficult to reverse once bad habits have been developed. As parents, you must recognize that they are the role models for their children from the moment they are born.
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13 Basic Etiquette You Can Teach Your Kids
1. Good manners begin at home
The best way to ensure your child displays the proper manners at school is to teach them and show them at home. Children should be taught to use ‘please’ ‘I am sorry’ and “thank you,” adhere to proper table manners and avoid interrupting when other students are talking.
As they grow older, introduce your children to the other aspects of etiquette, such as mobile phones and social media manners. They are likely to behave in a way that is appropriate online when they understand what they are expected to do. Therefore, making them slow down and consider their comments, posts, emails, and texts is vital.
2. Respect the teacher and school staff
Remember, students spend the most critical part of their life in school, where they pick up good manners and etiquette. Ensure that your children are taught to respect teachers. Some parts of the world consider teachers God as they are one of the Gurus who can mold the child’s character.
Communication between teachers and parents is crucial to address any concerns before escalating. Make use of the preferred communication method via email or a note written in the record book of your child’s school.
Suppose you disagree with a teacher, not criticize them to your child. Also, be mindful of what you tell other parents. Always adhere to the guidelines of the school’s communication, and don’t allow children to send you texts during their lunch breaks if mobile phones are not permitted.
3. School Etiquette while on Playground
Enjoy yourself to the max, But not at the cost of other children. Please ensure you are secure and joyful for all by avoiding throwing sharp or heavy objects that may cause injury to someone. Do not push, fight, pull, or push anyone. Never bite anyone or litter the playground.
Do not bully anyone. It is a sign of cowardice and not courage. Courage is what you get when you face the odds of defeat for a righteous cause.
Be aware of bullies, and be sure to report them. Similarly, don’t gang up against anyone.
4. Be Organized
Disorganized workspaces can be distracting. Make sure you clean your area regularly so your clutter doesn’t hinder the class’s workflow.
Be sure to have an area to store things that require replenishment. So, you’ll be aware of the moment your supplies are down, and you don’t have to borrow from others. Have your backpack or school bag organized and ensure it has all the books required for the day in school.
Do your homework and assignment on time, do not procrastinate on things, and finish it in the time allotted.
5. Speak and let other people speak
Everyone hates being with people who are noisy and rude. Instruct your children about the importance of being gentle and speaking at an audible but controlled level. Children must be taught that speaking loudly is not the best method to get things done.
The child should be aware that when someone is speaking, you should be attentive and refrain from interrupting. This is an essential and fundamental manner of conduct that will make a difference and reflect on the child’s character.
6. Etiquettes when speaking
This is a problem that many kids, particularly young kids, are struggling with. It’s because they often are prone to express their thoughts at the first sign they think of something. They also tend to be self-centered and may require reminders to wait until someone is completed saying something before interrupting.
To help children develop this behavior, parents could consider using a visual reminder, for example, an animal toy or a talking stick. Make sure everyone speaks only when it’s time to hold the stick to teach children to wait until they get to talk.
Make sure you wait for your turn to ask the question. If you hear someone else speaking, you can stand by raising your hands or whatever procedure your instructor requires.
Do not say “me, next” while waiting by raising your hand. Be patient and wait for your turn.
7. Be attentive to your keyboard
Your keyboard can be distracting if you’re taking notes or chatting with your pals. The noise isn’t only distracting the other people in the meeting because the laptop’s microphone is only a few inches from your keyboard. It’s also hindering you from concentrating on the conversation. Choose a high-quality headset, or grab your notebook, pencil, or pen to write notes.
Don’t use your keyboard to make noises while taking notes. Avoid other media, like watching a video on YouTube during an interminable webcast or meeting. Make sure your writing stationery is ready in the months ahead
8. Knock on Closed Doors
To ensure that your child is well-mannered, parents should teach them to knock on the door before entering. Even when the door is just half-open, kids should be able to knock and wait for a response before they go in.
Children need to be aware that privacy is essential, and it’s appropriate to knock on someone’s door and request permission before entering the space, regardless of whether it’s their parent’s room.
9. Covering Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing
Because the Covid epidemic swept the country, most children know the importance of covering their mouths. While it’s unacceptable to pick your nose in public, it’s also unsuitable not to cover the lips with a handkerchief or a tissue when coughing or sniffing. Introduce this habit to your children immediately to ensure it becomes a habit.
10. Eye-to-eye interactions
Face-to-face conversations are crucial; However, if you don’t have good eye contact, it can be difficult to argue your argument when talking to anyone. Your child must have the ability to gaze into the eyes of the person they are talking to display confidence and self-esteem. This is also an excellent character trait. It also gives the opposite person a sign that you know what you are talking about and are confident about the subject.
11. Sharing is caring
Sharing the things one has is an act of selflessness and compassion that must be taught to kids while they’re young, specifically in school, where children spend most hours. The art of sharing is also a crucial manner of conduct that is appealing to many people.
Also, it is a good habit to help a fellow student who may be struggling with understanding a topic and look for such opportunities to offer help.
12. Be attentive while the Teacher Is Teaching and Respect them
It is essential to teach your children to be attentive to what their teacher is talking about during class. They should follow precisely what the teacher wants them to do. They shouldn’t engage in debate or argue with the teacher.
It is essential to teach your children to show honor to teachers and older people. Remember that your children will follow exactly what you have taught them.
13. Basic Telephone Etiquette
A crucial manner your child needs to be aware of is phone behavior. Everyone these days is connected to a mobile phone or tablet, and it is essential to teach them the basics of phone usage and how to use it in a respectful and controlled manner.
Please encourage your children not to use their phones while discussing with someone else, eating meals, or meals with their family. Children should be taught not to speak in a loud voice on the phone and to be respectful of the privacy of others when using their phones in public areas, for instance, not boosting the brightness or speaking loudly in the theatre since it could disturb others.
Summary – school etiquette
There are numerous ways to teach the correct behavior to your children. Most importantly, you can model your behavior, as children are prone to follow their parents’ actions.
Make sure that they are being taught respect for teachers.
Make sure that everyone speaks when it’s appropriate for them to hold themself to ensure children wait till they can speak.
It is crucial to train your children to pay attention to what the teacher is discussing in class.
Children must be instructed not to use an uncontrolled manner on the phone. They should also be taught to respect other people’s privacy when using phones in public spaces, such as not turning up the brightness or using loud voices in theatres because it may disturb other people.
