A new book, Modern Manners for Moms and Dads: Practical Parenting Solutions for Sticky Social Situations is being released this week. This is a must read for parents and teachers.
I am thrilled I had the chance to interview them yesterday. They are smart and savvy moms that share real-life experiences in their new book.
This is not your grandmother’s parenting book. Their book deals with issues on guiding young children in today’s hectic and ever-changing world.
From birthday parties to how to ask children if it is ok to post their pictures on your social media, all the questions you ponder as a parent or teacher are answered.
And some of their answers may surprise you.
Take time to make a latte or a cup of tea and enjoy as I interview them about all things sticky when out and about in your daily life with young children.
Yes, we get a bit nerdy about social skills but I promise you will learn so much that you can share with children, spouses and other teachers.
A Teacher Becomes More Interesting When Teaching Manners in High School
Storytelling is what sets you apart as a teacher.Think about it.As a teacher, I don’t need to tell you how much younger children love it when someone reads a story to them.
This works for high school students too…only you don’t need to read to them….TELL them a story.
A story about you and an experience you had.Maybe you made an “etiquette” mistake.Maybe you made the right decision with choosing to use your good manners in a certain situation.
Good or bad, share your story.Make it real for this age group.
I can promise, they will sit up and listen to “your” story.It will make you more interesting.
The moment you share your story is the moment you take control of your classroom and become more interesting as a teacher.This matters to a high school student.
Manners are not about rules so don’t teach it in that way.Share a real life experience.
A Teacher Becomes More Interesting When Teaching Manners in Middle School
Storytelling sets you apart as a middle school teacher.Think about it.As a teacher, I don’t need to tell you how much younger children love it when someone reads a story to them.
This works for middle school students too…only you don’t need to read to them….TELL them a story.
Share a story about you and an experience you had.Maybe you made an “etiquette” mistake.Maybe you made the right decision with choosing to use your good manners in a certain situation.
Good or bad, share your story.Make it real for this age group.
I can promise, they will sit up and listen to “your” story.It will make you more interesting.
The moment you share your story is the moment you take control of your classroom and become more interesting as a teacher.This matters to a middle school student.
Manners are not about rules so don’t teach it that way.Share a real life experience.
Lisa Richey, founder, Manners To Go | Join Our Manners Movement
Elizabeth and I connected by phone one evening as she had questions about our curriculum.The school purchased the Manners To Go lesson plans to teach first impressions, communications skills and table manners to her students.
The Hawbridge School in North Carolina where she has taught for many years has a dedicated life skills program.
Listen in, as we have an informative discussion about the benefits and the reasons why life skills are important.
Oh!And listen for her discussion about a “slow lunch” and why this is so meaningful for her students.In fact, they love it so much they ask for it frequently.
With the outbreak of COVID-19 we are all scrambling to find alternative ways to teach our students.
Online/Virtual classrooms are something we will be leveraging in the weeks and days ahead.
We need to adjust our mindset and roll with the punches for awhile.
You might be asking yourself, “how can I connect with my students or co-workers”?
When we get through this crisis, and of course we will, you still want to be professional, on track and ready for what is coming your way.
9 Tips to Be Professional and Polished on a Video Call
BECOME FAMILIAR: If you are new to a video call, familiarize yourself with how a video platform (Zoom, Go To Meeting, etc.) works.
2. STAY FOCUSED:This is a BIG one.Distractions at home are especially tempting.Do what it takes to stay involved in and fully present with those that are on the call.Put your phone away, close your door and stay off the internet.
3. BACKGROUND:Plan ahead and be mindful of your background.Is it professional?Is it tasteful?Will it distract others from the business at hand?
4. MUTE:Keep yourself muted until it is time for you to speak.
5. RECORDING:If you are the host and plan to record, make sure the attendees are aware.
6. DRESS:You personal brand still matters.Keep yourself professionally groomed and dressed.
7. BEHAVE:Act as if you are attending the meeting “live”.Do not act or speak in a way that is not in keeping with your normal professional behavior.
