Manners Matter: Sharing & Listening Script

Warm-Up: What are Manners? (5 minutes)

"Hello, Social Skills Superstars! Today, we're going to talk about something super important that helps us make friends and get along with everyone. We're going to talk about manners!"

"Can anyone tell me, in your own words, what are manners? What does it mean to have good manners?"

Pause for student responses. Guide the discussion towards understanding that manners are polite ways of acting and speaking that show respect.

"Exactly! Manners are like special rules for being kind and respectful to others. When we use good manners, we make people feel happy and comfortable around us. Why do you think it's important to use good manners?"

Allow for student responses. Reiterate key points like making friends, showing respect, and being helpful.

Introducing Sharing (7 minutes)

"One very important manner is sharing! Who can tell me what sharing means?"

Show Manners Matter: Sharing & Listening Slide Deck (Slide 2).

"Sharing means letting others use your things, like toys or crayons, and taking turns. It means being fair so everyone gets a chance. Why do you think sharing is a good manner?"

Discuss reasons like making friends, showing care, and making others happy. Transition to the Sharing is Caring Activity.

Understanding Active Listening (8 minutes)

"Another super important manner is active listening! This isn't just about hearing, it's about really showing you're paying attention. Take a look at this slide."

Show Manners Matter: Sharing & Listening Slide Deck (Slide 3).

"When we actively listen, we look at the person talking, we think about what they are saying, and we don't interrupt. Sometimes we even nod our heads to show we understand! Why do you think listening is so important?"

Discuss how listening helps us learn, shows respect, and helps us understand friends and teachers. Distribute the Listening Ears Worksheet.

Practice & Role-Play (6 minutes)

"Alright, let's practice! I need two volunteers. One person will tell us about their favorite animal, and the other will practice their best active listening skills. Remember to look at your friend and really listen!"

Facilitate a short role-play, providing positive feedback and guiding students. Repeat with different volunteers if time allows.

"Great job! Now, can you give me some examples of when you can use your sharing skills? And when can you use your active listening skills?"

Encourage real-life examples from their school day or home life.

Cool Down: Good Manners Check (4 minutes)

"You've all been amazing Social Skills Superstars today! We talked about sharing and active listening. For our cool-down, I want each of you to think about just one new manner you will try to use today or tomorrow. It could be sharing your toys, or really listening when your teacher talks."

Distribute the Good Manners Check Cool Down and have students draw or write their response. Briefly discuss a few answers.

"Wonderful! Remember, good manners make the world a happier place, and you all have the power to be a part of that!"

Sharing is Caring Activity

Objective: Students will practice sharing and taking turns with classroom objects.

Materials: A small collection of appealing toys or objects (e.g., a ball, a toy car, a colorful block, a small book).

Instructions:

1. Introduce the "Sharing Circle": Gather students in a circle. Place the toys/objects in the center.
2. Explain the Rules:
   • We will pass an object around the circle.
   • When you have the object, you can hold it for a few seconds.
   • When it's time to pass, say "Please may I have a turn?" to the next person, and the person with the object says "Yes, here you go!" (or similar polite phrases).
   • Remember to say "Thank you!" when you receive the object.
   • Everyone gets a chance to hold each item, and we practice being patient.
3. Model the Activity: Demonstrate with one student first, emphasizing the polite language and turn-taking.
4. Facilitate the Activity: Start passing the objects. Remind students of the rules and positive language. Provide gentle prompts and positive reinforcement as they share.
5. Discussion: After the activity, discuss:
   • "How did it feel to share?"
   • "What did you say when you asked for a turn?"
   • "What did you say when you received the item?"
   • "Why is it important to take turns and be polite when sharing?"

Listening Ears Worksheet

Name: _________________________

Date: __________________________


## My Listening Ears!

Directions: Draw a picture of yourself using your best listening ears. What does it look like when you are really listening to someone?

How do I use my Listening Ears?

Directions: Check the boxes that show how you use your listening ears.

• I look at the person who is talking.
• I think about what they are saying.
• I wait for my turn to talk.
• I ask questions if I don't understand.
• I nod my head to show I am listening.
  
  
  ## When do I use my Listening Ears?

Directions: Write or draw two times when you need to use your listening ears.

1. __________________________________________________
   
   
   
   __________________________________________________
   
   
   

2. __________________________________________________
   
   
   
   __________________________________________________
   
   
   

Good Manners Check Cool Down

Name: _________________________

Date: __________________________


## My Manners Pledge!

Directions: Think about one good manner you learned today (like sharing or listening). Draw a picture or write about how you will use this good manner today or tomorrow.

How did I do today?

Directions: Circle the face that shows how well you think you used your manners today.

• 😊 (Superstar!) - I tried my very best with manners today!
• 😐 (Getting There!) - I tried some manners, but I can do better.
• 😞 (Oops!) - I forgot to use my manners a lot today.