Magic World of Manners
November 8th, 2011 
Carol 
This is a poem in rhyming verse about good manners for children. Important words and phrases for good manners are set in bold type and emphasized for easy learning. By the pleasant and upbeat style of the rhymes, children will develop a positive attitude about this subject. Through the repetition and familiarity of specific words and phrases, they will learn exactly what to say in different situations.
The Magic World
Is made up of…
Making Friends
Helping Others
Taking Turns
Being Honest
Cleaning Up
The Golden Rule
Being Fair
Saving the Earth
Recycling
Taking Care of Animals
Respect
Appreciation
Treating Others Well
and
Being Proud of Yourself
We all live in a world of relationships. Good manners are rules of the road. Another name is etiquette. Once your children know them, and know them well, they will be better able to drive safely and securely through the roads of life. With this poem, you have the opportunity to introduce to your children the tools they will need to enjoy life protected by the magic words of manners.
The upbeat rhyming introduction will attract your children. The specific words and phrases highlighted are to focus on useful phrases to memorize. Read each page with your children. The rhyming words and the opportunity to repeat the specially selected phrases will help your children learn the concepts and then be able to say the special words at appropriate times. Many of the stanzas can also serve as stimuli to appropriate conversation.
Introduction
When it comes to children’s manners,
There’s a lot that you should know.
It’s more than “please” and “thank you,”
“Excuse me,” and “hello.”
It’s everything you say and do.
It’s how you treat a friend.
It’s all the ways you are polite.
It’s messages you send.
Sometimes it’s when you’re in your home.
Sometimes it’s when you’re not.
It does not matter where you are.
Your manners mean a lot.
There’s meeting friends and meeting parents,
Meeting teachers too.
There’s lots of things that you should know
For what to say and do.
There’s taking turns and helping out.
There’s honesty and trust.
Many things that you should do
Just because you must.
Even if you make a mess
Or spill or drop or break,
Learn from all that you have done
And mend your own mistake.
Don’t forget the golden rule,
Treating others fair.
They will do the same for you.
That’s how people care.
Don’t forget the universe..
A great big open space.
Recycle all the things you can.
Our earth’s a special place.
For Meeting People
Friends are great, the best there is.
Cherish them as treasure.
Share a friend with someone else.
That’s a special pleasure.
To do the introduction,
It starts a standard way.
Specific words are what you’ll need.
This is what you say,
I WOULD LIKE YOU TO MEET MY FRIEND.
“Nice to meet you,” if you’re new.
Say your name as well.
“My name is Deborah Lou,”
Then there’s more to tell.
“How are you?” is your gesture
Of kindness and support.
Get ready for the answer.
This one is not too short.
FINE THANK YOU. HOW ARE YOU?
At Home
When you are the hostess,
Then your friend becomes your guest.
You play together nicely
And talk and share your best.
At the time of his arrival,
When your friend has come to play;
Open up the door for him,
And this is what you say,
PLEASE COME IN
After playing long and hard,
You pick up everything.
Be ready for his mom to come.
You’ll hear the doorbell ring.
While you are at the door,
He’ll say, “Good bye to you.
There’s something very nice to say
That you must then say too.
THANK YOU FOR COMING
At Your Friend’s House
Sometimes you’ll be invited
To play with your good friends.
Don’t forget to say the thank you
Before your visit ends.
You say it when you’re happy.
You say it when you’re through.
You say it to your friend yourself
And to the parents too.
THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME
Getting along is hard to do,
Taking turns and how to share.
Often it is hard to wait,
But that is what is fair.
Playing means there’s work to do
To clean and put away.
Try to do the best you can
Before you end your stay.
CAN I HELP YOU?
Mistakes are part of life for all.
They happen much with friends.
If you push or pull or fight,
You can make amends.
Sometimes you may raise your voice
Much too loud for praise.
Think again about your words
And use this little phrase
I’M SORRY I SAID THAT
Often times there’s hitting,
Quick as the blink of an eye.
Sometimes it just happens.
Who knows exactly why!
If you mess up while you’re playing,
Hurt a friend or make him sad,
Think about your actions
An tell him they were bad.
I’M SORRY I DID THAT
Back Home
“Rrring goes the telephone!
“Hello,” the magic word.
Listen to the person.
Tell your mother what you heard.
You can say, “Please wait a minute.”
Tell your mom who’s on the phone.
If she canot come to get it,
Take the message on your own.
MAY I PLEASE TAKE A MESSAGE?
Now you’re at the table,
Eating dinner in a group.
Don’t talk while you are eating
Or make crumbs or spill your soup.
Don’t reach across the table.
“Please pass” is what you say.
Ask permission if you want to leave.
Then you can go to play.
MAY I PLEASE BE EXCUSED?
Magic Words
The magic words of manners
Are an easy one, two, three.
Be sure to say them every time
With friends and company.
PLEASE is when you want something.
THANK YOU when you get it.
EXCUSE ME when you get mixed up.
Be sure not to forget it.
PLEASE
THANK YOU
EXCUSE ME
Sally Goldberg, Ph.D. was the first parenting expert on “Parent to Parent,” a FOX TV Channel 7 weekly news segment. A professor of education, parenting book author, and prolific magazine writer, Dr. Sally has been published often in a multitude of magazines that include Parent’s Magazine, American Baby, and Consumer Reports. Having had regular columns in Florida Wise, Florida Baby, Today’s Parent, and Viewpointe, she is now turning her time and attention to Parenting Tips with Dr. Sally.
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