Writing a Thank-You Letter
Purpose/Skills
• To use pictures and word-like symbols to communicate
• To understand that words are used to communicate
Materials
Paper folded into note cards, envelopes
Literature Suggestion
Read A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman, or any other book that might inspire a thank-you note.

Vocabulary
letter
thank you

Warm-Up
Discuss thank-you notes, their purpose, and why children might write one. Have them pretend they just received a birthday present. Then invite them to tell what they would say in a thank-you note for that gift.
Procedure
• Read the book and ask children to tell you who helped the main character. Ask what the character might say to the helper in a thank-you note. (For example, Corduroy might write to Lisa: “Thank you for the purple pocket. Thank you for the name to put inside my pocket.”)
• Make thank-you notes. Help children to think of people who have helped them or given them a gift. Then demonstrate how a card opens, with the fold on the left. Have children draw pictures on the front of each card. Suggest that the pictures might show how the person helped them. Have them dictate words they’d like you to write for them.
• Help children write “Thank you” and sign their names on the inside of the cards.
• Write To:_____________ and From:_____________ on the envelopes.
Enrichment
Show children other sorts of greeting cards, such as birthday cards, get well cards, and cards for new babies. At a center, provide letter-writing materials and encourage children to write more notes or dictate what they’d like to say in the notes. Include decoration materials such as stickers.
Observation Assessment
• Proficient – Child can tell the purpose of writing a thank-you note, comfortably makes a drawing, and scribbles a message and his or her name.
• In Process – Child cannot explain the purpose of writing a thank-you note and/or has some difficulty making a drawing and scribbling a message.
• Not Yet Ready – Child does not yet understand that writing can communicate ideas, and cannot yet draw or scribble easily.

Read more on FamilyEducation: http://school.familyeducation.com/school-readiness/early-learning/30631.html#ixzz28FHowTK1

Manners Are Free written by M.B. Jones

Description: “M.B. Jones’ children’s book, Manners Are Free, highlights the basics of manners and common courtesy, but does so in a colorful way that appeals to children. She wrote the book to ensure her granddaughter would learn manners at an early age.”

My Review: When I read the description of this book I knew it was one I wanted to read with my children. I don’t think my kids have horrible manners, but there are many areas I think they could improve on. And as a parent sometimes I need a reminder on how to talk about using their manners with them. It’s a book I enjoyed reading because of its natural rhythm. The author utilizes rhyming words and repetition throughout the story.

The story in Manners Are Free follows a grandmother’s visit to her grandaughter and seven different situations where manners are discussed. Scenarios go from the dinner table to the playground. The illustrations are a good match to the story. I read the book with both of my children, but I have to say my 3 year-old daughter liked it best. She liked that it was a little girl in the story. I know she picked up on it because she’s made a big deal about being excused from the dinner table since we read it.

I agree with the author that it’s never too early to start teaching children manners and I would recommend Manners Are Free especially to families with younger children. I also think this is a nice book to read for grandparents to read with kids since that relationship is highlighted.

You can learn more about the book and purchase it from AuthorHouse or find it on Amazon.

Also, check out her webpage kangaroomama.com – she shares really great ideas and information.

He talks about the vital role parents and teachers have in shaping their children’s future. Willinger states,  ”Teaching children to make smart choices will help them to become compassionate and loyal individuals, and can greatly reduce future problems they may develop or encounter.  Moving way beyond the proper usage of forks and knives, twenty-first century etiquette offers a blueprint for weaving the fabric of our future society.

He talks about the goal of Character Education – to raise emotionally balanced, socially compassionate and caring individuals with a solid value system.  He goes on to say that courses in etiquette and character development can sweep potential minefields by imparting the building blocks of successful emotional growth: integrity, honesty, empathy, leadership and responsibility, to name a few.

If we raise our children to be courteous, respectful, thoughtful and considerate of other people, we’ve accomplished a great deal and our world would be a better place.

Makes me wonder if those children who “Bullied” the 68 year old woman on the bus a couple of weeks ago need to take some courses on “Character Education”!

I just returned from two weeks in Houston with my family, helping my son and daughter-in-law adjust to the new addition to their family,Lorelei Elizabeth.  Dustin and Melissa
spent most of their time tending to Lorelei, so my job was to care for my 3 year old granddaughter, Aubrey. (I know she would remind me that she is 3 ½ now, not just 3). I can’t tell you what a wonderful time I had – exhausting – but wonderful!

Aubrey is such a delight.  We played dolls, dress up, read a lot of books, built a “sheet” tent draped over stools and chairs (she loved it)  and as you can imagine,  I reminded her about manners whenever I found the opportunity and introduced new ones when appropriate.  She certainly has mastered saying “Please” and “Thank You” and “You’re Welcome” which made me very happy.

Each time we sat down for lunch or dinner, I was reminded what a challenge it is for parents to teach their children manners.  I found myself getting frustrated when I would remind Aubrey to keep her mouth closed when she was chewing her food and then the next bite, I would have to remind her again.  I had to make sure I was not being critical which after the third time of reminding her, was not easy!    We worked on all the basic table manners –using a napkin, asking to be excused, etc. In addition, we worked a lot on being respectful to other people, both young and old.  At the end of two weeks,
Aubrey earned a “Blue Ribbon” award for her accomplishments.

The best advice I can give you to be successful at teaching your children manners is to repeat, repeat, repeat – remember, manners are learned, not inherent.   But most
importantly, be good role models.  If you want your children to have good manners, you
must have good manners.

Parents, you have such a huge responsibility raising your children.   Making sure they are healthy and happy and all their needs are taken care of – then add in, teaching them manners – it’s exhausting!  I know that first hand now.  So, I applaud all of you for the great job you are doing.

http://couponinginpa.com/2012/05/manners-are-free-kids-book-review/

I just received a text from my son with a picture of my new Granddaughter, Lorelei.  She was born this morning  around 8:15 a.m.    I can’t wait to start teaching her manners!!  HHMMMMM!!!  Maybe another book!

I’m leaving for Houston on Sunday and will be there for two weeks to help with the additional responsibilities of a new baby.   I am eager to see how Aubrey (now 3) will
react to her new sister.  It should be interesting.

Mother’s Day will certainly be a special day in the Jones household!

I hope all you wonderful moms have a great Mother’s Day!

However, she has lots of rules before we start to eat.

Everyone must be seated, with napkins in their place,

Nana says I’ll need it later, to wipe my hands and face.

Same rule goes for Mommy and Daddy, as it does for me,

As Nana says over and over  – MANNERS ARE FREE.