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Classroom Etiquette for Kids (and Parents, Too!)
By Erika Scott
Taking the time to learn classroom etiquette can help your child polish social skills and focus on learning—and help you navigate your way successfully through your child's school years.
Ask any teacher and she'll tell you that etiquette in the classroom is not only important—it's a necessity. Teachers often begin the school year with a foundation of classroom manners and etiquette, with the goal of establishing a respectful classroom culture. This commitment keeps the classroom running smoothly and can have a long-term impact on a child's self-image.
Linda Williams, the founder of "Etiquette for Life" workshops recognizes the impact that proper etiquette has on learning. "I believe that knowledge of the rules of etiquette will help children be better people and teach them how to avoid conflicts, which reduces fighting. Etiquette also teaches respect, which should improve behavior in the classroom and increase students' academic success."
Parents play a pivotal role in helping kids recognize the importance of classroom etiquette by discussing appropriate behavior long before the first day of school arrives; yet even if you're reading this article halfway through the school year, there is still plenty you can do to encourage good etiquette and get your child thinking about what's expected in the classroom.
Classroom Etiquette for Children
A Greeting Goes a Long Way: Encourage your child to make eye contact and greet teachers and classmates. Saying, "Hello, how are you?" is a surprisingly simple gesture that is often ignored; insist that it be a part of your child's regular routine for entering the classroom. (It can be disheartening for a teacher or fellow student to warmly greet a child and have that greeting go ignored!)
Introductions Are Important! The ability to make formal introductions is a social skill your child will use for a lifetime. Encourage your child to say, "Hello, my name is Sarah. What is your name?" In addition, your child isn't too young to introduce you to her teachers or classmates. An introduction could be as simple as, "Mom, this is my friend Jill. She is in my class." If your child forgets to introduce you to a friend or teacher, be consistent and gently prompt her to do so.
