In an age of rampant attention deficit disorder, mass distraction, and other static in modern society, it is never too early to teach kids manners and basic etiquette.
Instructor Cindy Eis specializes in teaching young people principles of politeness in classes at Yavapai College and through Prescott Valley's Parks and Recreation Department.
This past week, Eis wound up a four-session class in "Manners, Etiquette and Confidence" for girls ages 8 to 14, teaching appropriate social and speaking skills designed to promote self-confidence in formal settings and various circumstances.
"I put a lot of emphasis on meeting and greeting. I think the kids at that age are really in need of how to meet and greet," Eis said, mentioning posture and poise, speaking and communication skills, table and telephone etiquette, and avoiding conversational fillers like "uh" and "you know" as other topics.
Eis said she also briefly discusses grooming and coordinating apparel color choices with the seasons.
In the final class, Eis taught the students the value of handwritten notes and the proper circumstances to use them: congratulations, a message of thanks, an invitation, condolences or encouragement.
"You shouldn't use e-mails or other communication. It's more thoughtful and courteous if you send them a handwritten note," she said, giving some pointers on how to communicate sincerity to the addressee.
"Tell them some really specific things - how meaningful that certain thing really is to you," she said. "A handwritten note is a gift back to the giver, showing you've taken the time to show that you care about the other person."
Eis told the kids even if the gift is not something they would use, she offered ways to sound appreciative, and how to use expressions that are meaningful.
"Think about how you would feel if you received a thank-you note. What would you want expressed?"
Handing out completion certificates to the students for finishing the class series, Eis showed them the procedure of accepting with your left, shaking with your right and saying "thank you."
"We learned a lot of manners, etiquette, posture and everything - and it was fun," said Jamie Padnuk, 12.
Eis said the class seeks to boost confidence for the students, and to teach thoughtfulness and courtesy.
"I don't want them to learn a bunch of rules in etiquette and not have a proper attitude. There is a reason we want to learn the rules of etiquette, and that's to be kind and thoughtful to other people," she said.
Eis also teaches the class on Saturday mornings at Yavapai College, and will teach another series through Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation in October and possibly an intermediate class as well, with more tentatively planned for the spring at Yavapai College.
For more information, contact Eis at cindyrella@commspeed.net.
Posted: Friday, October 03, 2008
Article comment by:
Have Peace In Your Heart
"Citizen." Once again I appreciate the feedback. I am a retired school teacher/coach and have had many opportunities to teach manners and encourage good behavior during my time in the classroom and on the field/courts/pool area. I will take your advice and spread the "word." Here goes: Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." And this is the "Word." Marianne Elizabeth Vangalio
Posted: Friday, October 03, 2008
Article comment by:
Anonymous
WEBMASTER; Why allow these pointless negative comments to be posted RE:"CITIZEN" Does it add anything to the story? Does it comply with your policies?
Posted: Friday, October 03, 2008
Article comment by:
Citizen
Now.
Here is a chance for you Marianne or maybe some of your friends. To spread the "word" you can take the job of the "uncivilized" janitor at the local high school and have the first hand look at the graffiti and other messes the unmannered children produce daily. You would have an excellent opportunity to teach them some manners and change a lot of bad behaviour.Just a suggestion.
By the way, when eating a hot dog no need to use a fork and knife. Just bite in.
That's the American way.
Posted: Thursday, October 02, 2008
Article comment by:
Not A Friend Of Chicken Head!
Just don't take 'em to Cage Fighting even if they get a free ticket. It could undo a lot of positive work.
Posted: Thursday, October 02, 2008
Article comment by:
What A Shame
CITIZEN<<<< Why the "nasties?" Could this be a reason children lack self-esteem and need special services to set the examples on how to become civilized?
Posted: Thursday, October 02, 2008
Article comment by:
PITY
CITIZEN<<<
Posted: Thursday, October 02, 2008
Article comment by:
I've Been Blessed
"Citizen." Appreciate your concerns and views. Thank you for your response and input. I believe where there is life there is hope. Hope in educating those in need- which motivates me to comment and pass forward God's Wisdom to those who seek to better their lives. Perhaps this too could result into the "ripple effect." The voice of knowledge never goes unheard- though it may be ignored for a time. Keep speaking truth to your children and guide their every step. Listen to them when they talk. Listen with your hearts. No one needs to allow others to control their moral standards and sound thoughts. We, as adults, ought to be mature enough to learn from one another and pass that experience onto the children. There are numerous tools of learning at our finger tips. We must take advantage of these materials and improve ourselves; so as we will be able to make better citizens of our children. Now, go ahead and prepare a fancy table and practice your manners with your children. Marianne Elizabeth Vangalio
Posted: Thursday, October 02, 2008
Article comment by:
Richard
I think our children need better examples. Not only within their own homes, but on TV and in Hollywood. My children often come home from high school and tell me about the lack of common courtesies and rude behavior they see at school every day. I recently witnessed this when I was in line at a high school football game. The foul language that many of our teenagers were using around small children was disheartening. At this recent game I saw one young woman turn and politely ask two boys next to her to please stop using the F-word around the little children and families in line. One of the teen boys spewed even more profanity in her face in defiance. It made me sick.
Posted: Thursday, October 02, 2008
Article comment by:
Citizen
Yes Marianne,you have been blessed and you are not 12 anymore. Try to grow up today and go to school where a janitor you know gets arrested by 23 cops armed to the teeth in his house.
The children of today are very unfortunate. The parents have not much to say,the teachers have not much to say and the law enforcenment is just a result of all of this mess. They were not educated enough to understand their jobs.
Just like the financial crisis it has a ripple effect on the education,healthcare,mental health care and of course politics.
The country is paralyzed and if no major change will happen in a year or so,buy yourself a one-way ticket to somewhere where they'll love you. You know Carly Simom just released a new album and she is hot and you so vain.
Posted: Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Article comment by:
I've Been Blessed
Why aren't the parents of these children attending these classes? I witness more and more rude "out bursts" from parents then children. These etiquette techniques were taught in my home, as a child, by the very ones who brought me into this world; as it was their responsibility to do so. They taught through their own behavior and I learned by example. How unfortunate, these days, children must attend a special program in order to learn how to behave appropriately and to have their self-esteem boosted. My parents were very complimentary and never did the name calling game and never put down others, but rather offered us praise. The results are my never having been in trouble and have had a rewarding career and healthy relationships. We learned, at a very young age, how to dress the dining room table for guests, as my parents entertained often. As children we spoke with admiration in our tone to others; especially adults. We never talked back to our elders or teachers. We were taught to write thank you notes after having received a special card, gift or phone call addressing a special day in my life. Come on parents teach your children well. It's your job! Marianne Elizabeth Vangalio
