North Middletown Manners Class

“Manners cost us nothing but earn us A LOT. Respect from others.” The opening line of the North Middletown Elementary 3^rd grade program on Manners (Table and Social).  The program consisted of four learning sessions and a grand finale of a formal dinner with invited table guest. Topics included introducing your friends to your parents, the power of thinking of others feelings by using please, thank you, holding doors and pleasant voices, proper table setting and passing of food, manners at the table and appropriate table talk. All lessons were hands on and student participation.  The class was divided into five groups. Each group selected a guest to invite to their finale dinner. At the last learning session the class practiced table discussions to make their guest comfortable. Discussions included how they knew the guest, the guest hobbies and how to make the guest feel special and comfortable while practicing their table manners and etiquette. 

Guests included the Bourbon County Schools Superintendent, North Middletown Elementary Principal, North Middletown Elementary Maintenance, and two school volunteers that work with a before school program.  Each group was provided with table, chairs, linen table cloth and napkins, china, crystal and silverware with which to set the tables. Third graders took it upon themselves to decide that they wanted to dress for the occasion as well as to create their own placemats. Tables were set with 98% accuracy on the first evaluation and with 100% accuracy after learning that there “something” missing at one place setting for one table.

The third grade students used goal setting, problem solving skills, teamwork performance and communication skills while carrying out their hands-on performance evaluation. Their sense of accomplishment and pride was easily observed by all in attendance. The superintendent took to social media to brag on the North Middletown third graders. “I am confident that these students will remember and use these lifelong skills!”

Other comments were:

Guest – “This was such an amazing idea. These sweet kiddos had the greatest manners!”

Parent – “This was a wonderful experience for my child! A life skill that will carry him far when used. He is now teaching his family – proper etiquette! Love it”

School Board Member – “These are our future leaders! Thanks to all for giving these young people a big boost in the right direction!

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