Good Manners Activities for Preschoolers

Establishing good manners early is beneficial to you and your child.

Good manners will benefit your child through his life. Incorporating good manner activities into playtime with your preschooler, can help preschoolers understand the importance of manners.

Mother May I

This is a classic game, but you can update it with a few good manner additions. Instead of simply saying "Mother May I..." children must include "please" and "thank you." The mother in this game should use good manners as well and say "You're welcome." Children will have fun playing this game and learn good manners.

Host a Tea Party

Teach your child table manners and how to treat guests by having her host a tea party. She has to ask nicely if you would like to attend the tea party. During the party, she must use the magic manner phrases such as "please," "thank you" and "you're welcome" when passing the sugar or pouring tea. Boys can learn good table manners too with a fun party game. Pretend you are in a restaurant and one of you can be the server and the other the customer. Take turns asking questions using the magic manner phrases.

Interview

Have your children interview their siblings or stuffed animals. They must use "thank you" and "please" when asking or answering questions. The kids can even dress up. If possible record the interview and watch it later with your kids. Point out how well mannered they were during the interview.

Table Manners Song

Teach your preschooler the "Table Manners" song sung in the tune of "Frere Jacques." The song can be sung before each mealtime. When you think your child is ready, let him sing the song by himself or lead the table in the song. The lyrics are as follows:

Chewing quietly, chewing quietly

Do not slurp, do not slurp

We must say excuse me

We must say excuse me

When we burp

When we burp

References

• Building Blocks: Teaching Children Manners
• Humming Bird Education: Manners

Resources

• Scholastic: Thank Goodness for Manners