Don't Forget Your Etiquette!: The Essential Guide to Misbehavior
What’s inside...
A collection of humorous poems about the proper way to eat soup, visit a museum, and shake hands with the principal. If you're smart, you'll read this collection to get a delightful perspective on everyday etiquette. Meet Miss Information, the world's foremost expert on bad behavior, as she offers upside-down advice about the etiquette of absolutely everything. In twenty impish poems she states her views on such important topics as bathing (with and without gerbils), kissing (Komodo dragons as well as teachers), and eating. Exuberant illustrations full of hilarious antics add to the humor of this mischievous spoof on bad behavior. These sly poems offer a child-friendly way to discuss what good behavior really should be like and are sure to become every child's essential guide to – a rollicking good time!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think would happen if everyone forgot their manners, like in the book?
How do you feel when someone is polite or impolite to you?
Can you think of a time you used good manners and it helped you in a situation?
Why do you think the author chose to show misbehavior in such a funny way?
What is one etiquette rule you would create for our family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book to highlight the importance of good manners in different scenarios.
Relate the characters’ experiences to real-life situations in your child’s life to make the discussion more relatable.
Praise your child when they articulate thoughtful insights on how manners affect interactions.
Encourage your child to think of creative, respectful responses to everyday scenarios that challenge their understanding of etiquette.
Laugh along with your child at the humorous parts of the book to make the conversation light and enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of good manners
Explanation: Through humorous scenarios and exaggerated examples of bad manners, the book highlights the significance of politeness and courtesy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using polite words like 'please' and 'thank you,' and learning to respect others' personal space and belongings.
Example Lesson: Consequences of misbehavior
Explanation: The book uses whimsical consequences to teach that actions have repercussions, encouraging children to think before they act.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their choices affect not only themselves but also those around them, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book experience a range of emotions due to the misbehavior of others, offering a perspective on how one’s actions can affect others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to consider other people's feelings and viewpoints, which can help in building healthier relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The book presents creative and humorous ways to deal with conflicts, emphasizing peaceful solutions and the importance of dialogue.
Real-World Application: Children can use these strategies to handle disagreements at school or at home, promoting a collaborative and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Adhering to societal norms
Explanation: By showcasing the chaos of ignoring social rules, the book subtly reinforces why such norms exist and why they should be followed.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the role their behavior plays in maintaining a harmonious and functional society, encouraging them to participate positively in their community.