What You'll Need: scriptures,
Quote: Gordon B. Hinckley - There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others.
Opening Song: A Special Gift of Kindness (PCS #145a) or Kindness Begins With Me (PCS #145b)
Lesson:
What are manners? Manners are a way we act that shows everyone around us that they are important to us, that makes our home a nice place to be and that show kindness to all we meet. There are ways to have good manners and be polite in all different ways, but tonight we are going to talk about a few very important manners to start practicing.
The Magic Words - One of the very most important things about manners are the magic words. These words are magic because they make others feel good and they make you appreciate your blessings more. One is a word you use when you are asking for something. The other are words you say after you receive something.
- Can anyone guess the words? (Please and Thank You)
Here's a little rhyme/song ablout using polite words...listen for the Magic Words.
OPTION 1
We say "Thank you."
We say, "Please,"
And "excuse me,"
When we sneeze.
That's the way
We do what's right.
We have manners.
We're polite.
OPTION 2
(Sung to I'm a Little Teapot)
I have super manners. Yes, I do.
I can say "Please," and "Thank You," too.
When I play with friends, I like to share.
That's the way I show I care!
When you ask for something it is always best to say Please.
- What are ways we can use the word Please at home? at school? at church?
When someone does something nice for you it is always best to say Thank You.
- What are ways we can use the words Thank You at home? at school? at church?
Meeting New People - When we meet new people we are meeting someone who might become our new friend. It is always best to smile and say hello. Sometimes we shake hands when we meet someone for the first time. We can ask their name and tell them our name. You can also say "It's nice to meet you." Doing these things makes other feel special and like they have a new friend.
Let's practice! (Pretend to be a new acquaintance. Meet your child, shake hands, say hello and practice the skills above. Do this a few times until your children feel comfortable.)
Table Manners - Our family meals are very important. Mealtime should be a time when our family has a relaxed and enjoyable time together. President Ezra Taft Benson said that “mealtime provides a wonderful time to review the activities of the day and to not only feed the body, but to feed the spirit as well..." (“Strengthening the Family,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1970, 51).
Here is a poem about table manners. Listen to the choices in the poem and decide which you think is best.
MIND YOUR MANNERS
Mary L. Lusk, Friend, Nov. 1973, 33
Would you like some fun? See if you’re able
To tell which manners are best at the table.
Do you say, “Will you pass the pepper, please!”
Or, “Gimme the salt!” and “Where's my cheese?!”
Do you lean on the table taking a nap,
Or keep your free hand quiet in your lap?
Do you talk with your mouth full, eat noisily,
Or bite small portions and talk quietly?
Do you say, “Thanks for lunch” and “Excuse me, please”?
Oh, I hope you mind your manners with ease.
Here are a few important table manners that we want to practice as a family.
- Stay in your seat until dinner is finished and you have asked to be excused. It is hard to talk to each other when someone is dancing around in their seat or getting up and down. If you need to get up for any reason you must ask to be excused.
- Always use your tools to eat your food. Unless we are eating sandwiches, french fries or fresh veggies and dip you should always use your silverware to eat your food. Picking food up with your fingers makes a mess and is not very polite. Also, never put your fingers or hand into your cup (this is a big one at my house). Wipe your face with a napkin if it gets messy. Never wipe your mouth on your sleeve.
Bear your testimony about how using good manners and being polite makes others feel when they are around you. Tell your kids how much you love spending time with them and how pleasant that time can be. Express your testimony of how your kindness affects others.
