CHARACTER EDUCATION, ETIQUETTE and MANNERS

​It's extremely important for our children to learn proper etiquette, including table manners,
​so all our Teachers will be teaching them about this throughout the school
year as part of our curriculum in all grade levels.

We will also be teaching our Highpoint students "Character Education" and reinforcing these core values daily. We will continue to emphasize teaching about manners, honesty,
responsibility, honor, ethics, and integrity, so they can become good "all-around" adults of tomorrow.

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CHARACTER EDUCATION

Link to our CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

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ETIQUETTE and MANNERS

20 ETIQUETTE LESSONS CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW

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ETIQUETTE & TABLE MANNERS

What is Etiquette?

• Etiquette is the set of rules that govern good behavior and our social interactions.
• It reflects our cultural norms and generally accepted ethical codes.
• It helps us show respect and consideration to others.
• Without proper manners and etiquette, the customs of a polite and respectful society would soon disappear.

Rules of proper Table Manners and Dining Etiquette:

• Even though there are various acceptable ways of setting a table, the American style says that a table must be set according to the meal courses being served.
• Forks should be placed on the left and knives on the right.
• Napkins should be placed in the center or side but never under the forks.
• Spoons must be placed to the right of the plate, farthest from the plate for the first course; (if it is a soup.)
• A second spoon is intended to be used when coffee is being served.
• A third spoon, when needed for dessert, is placed closest to the plate and it is often paired with a small fork close to the other side of the plate.   
• Water glasses must be placed on the right, lined up with the top of the knife.
• Wine glasses must be placed slightly above and to the right of the water glass.
• Bread plates are to be placed on the top left.
• Salad plates are either placed in center before the main entrée is served or placed on the top in center.
• Napkins should be placed on the lap and not tucked into clothing. They should not be used for anything other than wiping your mouth and should be placed unfolded on the seat of your chair should you need to leave the table during the meal, or placed unfolded on the table when the meal is finished.
• The fork is held with the left hand and the knife held with the right. Under no circumstances should the fork be held like a shovel, with all fingers wrapped around the base.
• A single mouthful of food should be lifted on the fork. Food should not be chewed or bitten from the fork.
• The knife should be held with the base into the palm of the hand; (not like a pen with the base resting between the thumb and forefinger.) The knife must never enter the mouth or be licked.
• Food should always be chewed with the mouth closed. Talking with food in one's mouth is seen as rude. Licking one's fingers is unacceptable.
• Butter should be cut, not scraped, from the butter dish using a butter knife or side plate knife and put it onto a side plate, not spread directly on to the bread. This prevents the butter in the dish from gathering bread crumbs as it is passed around.
• Bread rolls should be torn with the hands into mouth-sized pieces and buttered individually, from the butter placed on the side plate, using a knife. Bread should not be used to dip into soup or sauces.
• It is impolite to reach over someone to pick up food or other items.
• It is rude to slurp food, eat noisily, or make noise with the silverware.
• Elbows should remain off the table at all times.
• When one has finished eating, this should be communicated to others and to the wait staff by placing the knife and fork together on the plate, at the 6 o'clock position, with fork tines facing upwards.
• Phones and other electronic devices or distracting items should not be used at the dining table at any time.
• Placing a phone, keys, handbag or wallet on the dinner table is considered rude.
• Always wait for everyone sitting at the table to be served before starting to eat.
• Be polite by always saying "please" and "thank you" , especially to the servers.
• Always remove a hat or cap at the dinner table.
• Always wait until everyone finishes eating before getting up from the table; (always say “excuse me” if  you need to get up before.)

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HOW TO SET A TABLE PROPERLY:

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WHY ARE MANNERS SO IMPORTANT?

Children aren’t born with manners, they chew with their mouths open, eat with their hands, throw food, burp…the list goes on! In most houses dinners with a child under 5 is a messy event, and learning good manners will serve them well later in life. The good news is, teaching your child table manners can be easy and we have a few tips under our belt to help you.  

​Manners aren’t just about saying please and thank you. Explain to your child that manners are a way of showing kindness to other people at the table, they are rules that apply to everyone, and a way to show people at the table what a big kid they are. The most important rule when teaching manners is that it’s ok if they make mistakes, just teach your little ones the basic skills and work on improving them, this will make your child more confident in social situations as they get older.

Pre-schoolers are ready to learn and eager to please, and most are very receptive to introducing table manners to their dinnertime routine. Of course not all children are the same but teaching your child one manner at a time is key so that you don’t overwhelm them.

It is important to remember that Kids learn by watching, mimicking and practicing. YOU are your child’s best role model, so make sure that you yourself are practicing good table manners at the table and setting a positive example yourself.


Important Table Manners To Teach Kids:

1. Wash hands before coming to the table. Explain to your child that clean hands will keep them healthy. Make it easy for your child by having a small step by the sink and maybe some special soap for them to use to make it more exciting. This is an easy habit for them to grasp and you’ll soon find them running off to do it themselves before eating, without you even having to ask!
2. Say please and thank you. This shows respect and gratitude to the person that made or served your dinner. These two words cannot be overused when showing your appreciation.
3. Don’t talk with your mouth full. No one wants to see all the food in your mouth, or have it sprayed across the table! Remind your child to take small mouthfuls and swallow their food before talking.
4. Avoid using devices at the table; no phones, tablets, TV, video games etc. Collect all devices before the meal starts and stick to it. This is not only polite but respectful to the people at your table. It also enables your child to focus on and enjoy their food, and interact with the people around them.
5. Help clear the table at the end of your meal. This doesn’t need to be a big job, encourage your child to help out by carrying their plate and cup to the kitchen side. Remind your child that kindness and gratitude can be shown by helping o