Good Manners Theme and Activities


Learn More About Our Online Classes

Having good manners is very important. In helping to strengthen good manners while children are in your care, children will have a solid foundation to grow on. Here are a variety of activities to use in your Good Manners Theme.

good manners

Good Manners Songs and Fingerplays

When You're Talking to a Friend (Tune: If You're Happy and You Know It)
When you're talking to a friend look at him (her).
When you're talking to a friend look at him (her).
Listen to his (her) words.
Because he's (she's) wanting to be heard.
When you're talking to a friend look at him (her).

Good Manners (Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
We say, "Thank you. We say, "Please."
We don't interrupt, We don't tease.
We don't argue. We don't fuss.
We listen when folks talk to us.
We share our toys, we take our turn
Good manners are easy for us to learn.

Manners (Tune: I'm a Little Teapot)
I have super manners. Yes, I do.
I can say "Please," and "Thank You," too.
When I play with friends, I like to share.
That's the way I show I care!

Manners Poem
We say, "Thank you." We say, "Please."
We don't interrupt or tease.
We don't argue. We don't fuss.
We listen when folks talk to us.
We share our toys and take our turn.
Good manners aren't too hard to learn.
It's really easy, when you find.
Good manners means
JUST BEING KIND!

Good Manners Arts and Crafts

"Cover your sneeze please" Faces
Use a paper plate to create a face. Children can draw or paint faces, add yarn for hair, etc. When they are done, trace each child's hand and glue it to the mouth of the paper plate with a tissue in between the hand and mouth.

Polite Painting
Have two children share an easel and paint. Tell them that they must each take turns adding to their picture.

Gifts and Thank You Notes
Let each child make a gift (this can be anything, even just a colored pictures) for another child. When each child receives their gift, have them create a thank you card to show their appreciation.

Good Manners Math and Science

Sharing Colors
Place several empty clear cups on a table. Give children smaller cups of colored water (red, yellow, blue). One a time, tell the children that they are going to share colors to see what color they can make. Pair up two children with different colors and ask them to take turns pouring their water into one of the empty cups. Talk about what colors are made.

Manners Chart
Make a chart and ask the kids to think of times when it is important to say "please" and "thank you." Record their answers.

Good Manners Snack Time

Tea Party
Have a tea party and explain proper table etiquette. Use teacups and have some sort of crackers. Have children practice manners, such as putting a napkin on their lap, passing food around, saying 'please' and 'thank you.'

Please and Thank you Snacks
Sit in a circle or around a table. Give one bowl of apples (or any snack) to the first child. The child sitting next to the first child must say, "May I please have the bowl of apples." The first child passes the bowl to the second child, who should reply "Thank you." The first child then says, "You're Welcome." Continue this until every child has had a turn and receives the bowl.

More Good Manners Resources