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Teaching Good Manners at Story Time
Pass the Peas, Please
 A Book of Manners
by Dina Anastasio,
pictures by Katy Keck Arnsteen
Lowell House, 1999
This friendly book of rhymes introduces all kinds of ways to show good manners. Rhymes about table manners include the reminder from the title: to ask politely when you want more food. There are also rhymes about not talking with your mouth full, using the proper utensil, and not taking food that belongs to others-like your brother's cupcake!
 Share the rhymes and talk about what they mean. Review good-manners words, such as "please" and "thank you."
Discuss why it's important to use these words at the table.
Invite children to make up their own rules of good manners when eating. Record them on an experience chart and let children illustrate each rule.
Yoko
 by Rosemary Wells
Hyperion, 1998
Yoko, a white cat, loves sushi. Her mother packs delicate sushi rolls for her lunch and red bean ice cream for snack. But when it's time to eat, Yoko's classmates give her choices a thumbs down. Recognizing a problem, her teacher plans an International Food Day, and each class member brings in a special dish. But Yoko's friends won't even try her deluxe sushi-until Timothy finds he's still hungry and there's only Yoko's treat left. He likes it!
Invite children to comment on the characters and events. Guide children in talking about why it's important not to make fun of what other people eat.
Plan a Family Food Day and have each child bring in a family favorite to share. Encourage taking small tastes and responding politely even if you don't want more.
Let's Eat!
 by Ana Zamorano,
pictures by Julie Vivas
Scholastic Inc., 1997
Antonio's extended family usually eats together at two o'clock. But each day of this week, Mamá is frustrated because someone can't make the afternoon meal. On Saturday, it's Mamá who is missing, because she has gone to the hospital to have a baby. By the following Sunday, the whole family, including new sister Rosa, is together around the table.
Discuss the characters and events. Why do children think Mamá wants her family to all eat together?
Let volunteers tell about family meals at home.
You might talk about special meals that families usually share, such as birthdays and holidays, and why being together makes these events more special.
Talk about your group as a family and why you enjoy eating together. |
