Alex J. Packer, PH.D author and educator who has wrote many books on manners says “The building blocks of good manners- respect, empathy, kindness and consideration- never change. But times do. And when times change, manners change. If you’re going to keep your edge, you’ve got to stay on top of these changes.” The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent conducted a 6 week program on manners and etiquette at the Fulton County Elementary School. Forty-six third grade students participated in lessons which covered topics on appropriate conversations anywhere and everywhere, being a friend, bullying, common courtesy, guidelines for smartphone use, proper table setting and passing of food, manners at the table and appropriate table talk. All lessons were hands on with student participation. The culminating event for students was a sit down meal and demonstrated their newly learned table manners. The program was evaluated using a pre and post-test with questions pertaining to information learned during the sessions. Results indicated that 83% of the youth learned more about where you should place your napkin during meals, which foods are ok to eat with your fingers, what is appropriate table talk and basic smartphone etiquette. The principal took to social media to brag on the participating third graders. “What do you do with your napkin if you need to leave the table? Which direction do you pass rolls around the table? Anna McCoy, Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent, visited FCES for the last several weeks and taught our third grade Pilots all about proper table etiquette. Everyone demonstrated their table skills today during a very special luncheon. Way to go Pilots!”

Other comments were:

Teacher – “It was a great program for our students! They all learned valuable lessons on manners that they will use throughout their lives!”

Superintendent – “The manners class offered at Fulton County is truly a real world experience that teaches a life skill that students will be able to use for a lifetime.”