Public Manners
What are the “Magic Words” associated with manners?
Saying “please” and ”thank you”
You finish using the washroom and when you go to flush, you notice a dribble of pee on the toilet seat. What should you do next?
Wipe it up with toilet paper, throw it in the toilet, and flush!
Somebody burps at the table! What should we say?
Excuse you! (Excuse me if it was you).
There is a new friend starting program! How can you make them feel welcome?
Introduce yourself, ask them a question, show them around the Clubhouse, sit with them at lunch
True or false: it’s okay to throw trash on the ground if you can’t find a garbage can.
False: you should always hold on to your garbage until you find a trash can, or wait until you are home.
Hold the door for the people behind you.
After you wash your hands you quickly shake them off, then notice the counter and tap is quite wet. Leave it for the next guy, right?
Wrong! Take a towel or paper towel and wipe down the counters and sink so the next person has a clean area to wash up in.
Your friend is sitting across from you at lunch chewing with their mouth open. It’s grossing you out! What should you do?
Ask them gently to please chew with their mouth closed. Move seats if they don’t stop and it is upsetting you.
Your best friend did something to make you mad. It’s best to not talk to them ever again, right?
Wrong! Confrontation is a part of life, it’s important that we learn how to use our words to address problems we have with loved ones.
True or false: when you say “please” and “thank you” others are more likely to help you again next time you ask for something.
True! Saying please and thank you helps acknowledge the work others do to help you out and when they feel appreciated they are more likely to help again!
What are ways you can show good manners if you are sick?
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently, stay home.
You finish up in the bathroom and realize it’s a little stinky. What can you do to help out the next person?
Spray some febreze/anti-stink spray, turn on the fan, etc
The bathroom is a stinky place!
How can we “catch up” with some of our friends at meal times in a way that isn’t disruptive?
Sit beside someone you want to talk to so you aren’t yelling across the dining room, don't talk with your mouth full, avoid burping/farting, use appropriate table conversation (no bathroom talk, etc)
Your best friend made you pinky promise not to tell a secret but it’s sooooo funny and you just know your sister would love to hear the story. What should you do?
Don’t tell your sister! In fact, don’t tell anyone! Secrets are a privilege and we don’t get to decide who should know somebody else's secrets.
How would you feel if somebody was sharing your secrets with others?
True or false: if I’m taking up a seat on a bus and an old man with a can gets on, I should move so he can have a seat, even though I was there first.
True! Always give up your seat to somebody who may need it more. BUT stay seated/advocate for yourself when you need it.
Why is it considered bad manners to listen to music without headphones in public?
Others might not like the same type of music, it might interrupt conversation, it can be distracting
You don’t think anybody is in the bathroom but the door is closed. What should you do before you walk in?
Knock!
The ketchup is across the table and you need some for your hot dog. What is the best way to get the ketchup?
Do not reach across the table, ask whoever is closest to you “please pass the ketchup”
You are having a big hangout with Amanda on the weekend but Jordan has been asking to get ice cream with you both as well. How can you make sure you are a good friend to Amanda AND Jordan?
Invite Jordan to join you and Amanda this weekend
orPlan another time to spend with Jordan so he knows you are prioritizing both friendships.
Avoid talking about hangouts in front of friends who aren’t included. It’s okay to spend time with other friends, but we don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings.
True or false: it is okay to interrupt someone if you have something more important to say.
False: interrupting is always rude (unless it’s an emergency)
You show up to your favourite ice cream store and the lineup is down the block! You’re determined to get ice cream, so what do you do next?
Get in line! Everybody else is waiting their turn and you should as well!
You finish up in the bathroom and realize there isn’t any soap. Water is good enough, right?
Wrong! Always use soap, if there isn’t any look for hand sanitizer or ask a community helper.
Lisa, Lisa, strong and able, get your _____ off the table!
elbows
One of your friends forgets your birthday even though you’ve been friends for 10 years! Should you ignore them the rest of the day? They deserve it!
No! We are all human and sometimes we make mistakes or forget something, it’s okay to express to our friends “it hurt my feelings when you forgot my birthday” but We should show good manners by continuing to be kind.
True or false: good manners are a basic expectation and we should gently help each other to learn and get better at manners.
True! We can always learn more about manners and work towards having better manners.