Manners at a Friend's Home (First Facts)
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Describes good manners and shows how different character values can be used when visiting a friend.
Why read this book
- Teaches essential manners for visiting friends’ homes.
- Engaging illustrations complement easy-to-understand text.
- Encourages respectful behavior in social settings.
- Ideal for shared reading between parents and children.
Discussion points
Why do you think it’s important to have good manners when we visit a friend’s home?
What is one manner you saw in the book that you would like to try next time we visit someone?
How do you think your friend would feel if you used good manners at their house?
Can you think of a time when someone used good manners at our house? How did that make you feel?
If you were the host, what manners would you like your guests to use?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how they interact with others by drawing parallels between their experiences and scenarios in the book.
Praise your child for any good manners they already practice, and discuss the importance of continuing those behaviors.
Use examples from the book to discuss hypothetical situations, asking your child how they would apply what they've learned in their own life.
Discuss the feelings associated with using and experiencing good manners, highlighting empathy and consideration for others.
Link the discussion back to the book by focusing on specific characters or illustrations that exemplify good manners.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respecting Others' Spaces
Explanation: The book demonstrates the importance of respecting the space of others when visiting a friend's home, such as knocking before entering a room and not touching personal items without permission.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply these respectful practices at playdates, fostering a sense of personal boundaries and respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Following House Rules
Explanation: Through engaging scenarios, the book teaches children to adhere to different house rules that may be set by friends' parents, whether it's taking off shoes at the door or helping to clear the table after a meal.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children adapt to varying environments outside their home, making them more flexible and considerate guests.
Example Lesson: Expressing Gratitude
Explanation: The characters in the story model saying 'please' and 'thank you', which emphasizes the value of expressing gratitude when someone extends their hospitality.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express gratitude in everyday situations, which enhances their social interactions and helps in building positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Communicating Politely
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of using polite words and tones when interacting with friends and their families, demonstrating effective communication skills.
Real-World Application: Children can employ these polite communication techniques in various social settings, aiding in their overall social development and relationship building.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: It shows how sharing toys and collaborating in group activities can lead to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for children to develop teamwork skills and understand the joy and benefits of sharing in school and other communal settings.