Recently I discussed the importance of manners. This week I have a few more books to add to a study on manners. Author, Julia Cook, has written several stories about various topics about social skills.

Table Talk is about… table manners! Here is a quote from the book, “Did you know that table manners really matter? They’re more than just eating. They’re about being kind and considerate of others, and being respectful of people’s feelings.” Some things mentioned are washing your hands, waiting your turn until everyone has their food, saying please and thank you and not reaching across the table for something. After reading the book you can practice the good manners that you read. Do you know the poem, The Goops?  Here is the poem for copywork. NOTE: Whoops! I accidentally left out the word saw on the first line!  The Goops

Bragging is the focus in the book, Well I Can Top That! 

Bradford Robert Alexander Donely always feels the need to be better than his friends. Primarily by telling outlandish tales, he appears to do everything better. His teacher helps him to see that instead of being a “one-upper”, he can be a “pull-upper”, in other words, encourage people and allows others to be number one.

Decibella and her 6 inch Voice

One of my sons had a difficult time in using what I called an “inside voice”.  He also had a friend who was equally as noisy and we had to remind the boys on many occasions to consider others around them. Decibella, or rather, Isabella, is a young lady who needs to be reminded of which voice to use throughout the day. Ranging from the whisper, to a 6 inch voice, to SLURPADOODLE, Isabella must learn to gauge her voice to meet the appropriate noise level, depending upon the situation.

What kind of things you can do with these books when you are reading to your children?  Ask if they have ever had these situations happen to them. What ways could the characters do things differently? Why is it a pleasant thing to have manners? How can you show kindness and consideration to others. Make a list of opportunities. Discuss and practice the following social skills.