Good manners are an essential part of developing strong social skills. Teaching your students or children about manners takes time and consistency and may require gentle reminders.
Good manners can encompass a variety of behaviors but you may want to start with these basics:
- Say “please” and “thank you” when you’re asking for something and/or when someone does something for you, and “you’re welcome”
- Wait your turn – don’t cut in line or rush someone else in front of you as you wait for something
- Say “excuse me” when you’d like to get someone’s attention and wait for them to give you their attention
- Use greetings when interacting with peers or adults – a simply “hi” or “bye” shows your acknowledgement for those around you
- Hold the door open for someone walking through behind you or approaching from the other side
- Speak using a situationally appropriate voice volume – if you’re indoors, there’s no need to shout when speaking with a peer or adult! Adapting your volume is respectful to those around you.
- Share with your peers
- Practice polite table manners like chewing with your mouth closed and waiting until your mouth is empty before speaking
- Apologize when you’ve done something wrong. Acknowledging your mistake and saying “I’m sorry” is the polite way to maintain relationships with others
Using good manners is a great way to show others that you respect them and their feelings. Teaching your students how to practice these basic manners can help them strengthen their social skills and maintain friendships!
The special education resources on this page were authored by Watson Institute’s special education consultant, Andee Morris, M.Ed.
Power Point Presentation:
Don’t be a Rude Dude PowerPoint
Don’t be a Rude Dude Facilitator’s Guide
Resource Materials:
Don’t be a Rude Dude Magnet Cards
Don’t be a Rude Dude Mini Schedule
Don’t be a Rude Dude Teacher Note
Don’t be a Rude Dude Role-Play Activity
Don’t be a Rude Dude Manners Worksheet
Don’t be a Rude Dude parent note
Pre/Post Assessment
A pre and post lesson assessment is included in each lesson. Use of the assessment is an instructor preference. Many of the ‘homework’ pages for a lesson can be used as a pre/post assessment device alone or as part of the provided assessment. Each homework page can be checked by the instructor as well as the student.
Review all included pages of the lesson to determine what ‘assessment’ method will meet your needs. If the student is able to achieve a + in the majority of items of the pre-assessment, or if the student has been observed to display the skill topic of the lesson often, then the lesson may not be introduced or can be taught with a group as review and/or reinforcement.
Don’t Be a Rude Dude Pre/Post Assessment
If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.