Three Books for Teaching Manners

Image Courtesy: Homeschool Student Elise Frierson

Let’s face it: we’ve all been cooped up for the past few months. Now that we are beginning to return to normal activities, does it seem like your children have forgotten how to behave around other human beings? Fear not! We are here for you! Here are three helpful books that are great for family read-aloud, civics enrichment, or conversation starters at the dinner table.

The Berenstain Bears Forget their Manners by Stan and Jan Berenstain is a lighthearted book for kids who are age eight and younger. This is an older title, and it’s probably available at most public libraries. Topics addressed include name calling, crude behavior, and basic table manners.

Social Rules for Kids—the Top 100 Social Rules Kids Need to Succeed by Susan Diamond makes a superb addition to social studies class for older elementary and middle-school aged children. Each lesson contains well-written examples and practical insight that gets to the heart of being considerate to other people.

George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation by America’s first president: George Washington. This book contains 110 timeless reminders for how to behave around others. Although it is a short read (36 pages) the wording is somewhat antiquated and likely better suited for ages 14 and up. (Psssst! Parents might appreciate this book too!)

How are you helping your children adjust to closings, social distancing, and other differences this school year? Share your ideas with other homeschoolers in the comment section below.