Unit Study: Kindergarten Manners and Etiquette

Age and Grade Requirements

• Age: 5-6 years old
• Grade: Kindergarten

Goals

By the end of this unit study, students will be able to:

1. Understand the importance of good manners and etiquette.
2. Learn basic social skills for interacting with others.
3. Develop empathy, respect, and consideration for others.
4. Enhance communication and problem-solving skills.
5. Gain exposure to basic concepts of character education and positive behavior.

Schedule (5 Days)

Day 1: Introduction to Manners

• Introduction to the concept of manners and their significance
• Discuss the importance of using polite words and greetings
• Arts and crafts: Create “Manners Mosaic” with pictures of polite actions

Day 2: Table Manners and Sharing

• Focus on table manners: Learn how to use utensils and eat politely
• Discuss the importance of sharing and taking turns
• Role-playing activity: Pretend to have a polite meal together

Day 3: Being Kind and Empathetic

• Explore kindness and empathy: Discuss how to help and comfort others
• Engage in activities that promote understanding and consideration
• Arts and crafts: Create “Kindness Cards” to give to friends

Day 4: Resolving Conflicts and Apologizing

• Focus on conflict resolution: Learn how to express feelings and find solutions
• Discuss the importance of apologizing and forgiving
• Reading a related storybook

Day 5: Manners in Public and Culmination

• Explore manners in public places: Discuss behaviors in stores, parks, etc.
• Engage in a “Manners in Public” scavenger hunt activity
• Culmination activity: Create a class “Manners Pledge” poster with students’ promises

Recommended Books (with Amazon Links)

1. “Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners” by Laurie Keller Amazon Link
2. “The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners” by Stan Berenstain Amazon Link
3. “Manners” by Aliki Amazon Link

Recommended Video Links

1. Sesame Street: “Elmo’s World: Friends” YouTube Link
2. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: “Sharing with Baby Margaret” YouTube Link
3. KidVision Pre-K: “Restaurant Manners” YouTube Link

Arts and Crafts Activity

Create “Kindness Cards”: Provide materials for students to decorate and write kind messages on small cards to share with friends.

Role-Playing Activity

“Pretend Mealtime”: Set up a pretend meal setting and have students practice using utensils and demonstrating table manners.

Culmination Activity

Create a class “Manners Pledge” poster where students contribute their promises to practice good manners and etiquette.

Bible Connection

Discuss biblical principles of kindness, compassion, and treating others as you would like to be treated, exploring passages that emphasize the importance of loving one’s neighbor and practicing humility (e.g., Matthew 22:39, Philippians 2:3-4).