40 Fun Manners Activities for Preschoolers
Are you looking for fun ways to teach manners to preschool-aged children?
You’ve come to the right place! Teaching children manners is an essential part of their social and emotional development, and it’s never too early to start.
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of 40 fun activities that you can do with preschoolers to teach them good manners.
From playing board games and singing songs to role-playing and creating crafts, these activities are not only educational but also enjoyable for both you and your little ones.
So let’s dive in and start exploring these exciting and interactive ways to teach manners!
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Why It’s Important To Teach Preschoolers Manners
Have you ever been around a child who’s constantly interrupting, grabbing things from others, or not saying “please” or “thank you”?
It can be frustrating, right? That’s why teaching preschoolers manners is so important!
Not only does it help them become more polite and considerate individuals, but it also sets them up for success in social situations and helps them build positive relationships with others.
40 Activities To Teach Good Manners
Role-playing different social scenarios where they can practice manners
Role-playing is a fantastic way for kids to practice manners in real-life situations. They can act out scenarios like introducing themselves to new friends, making polite requests, or showing gratitude. This hands-on approach helps them understand the importance of manners in various contexts.
Playing board games that require taking turns and following rules
Playing board games that require taking turns and following rules not only teaches patience and fairness but also reinforces the concept of good sportsmanship. Kids learn that winning or losing gracefully is a part of playing games.
Singing songs that teach manners, such as “Say Please and Thank You” or “Excuse Me”
Manners-themed songs are a catchy and engaging way to teach children the basics of etiquette. These songs make learning fun and memorable, as kids can sing along while learning phrases like “please” and “thank you.
Reading books about manners, such as “Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf” or “Do Unto Otters“
Storybooks about manners are a great way to introduce kids to etiquette in a creative and relatable way. Characters in these books often model good behavior, making it easier for children to grasp the concepts.
Watching videos or cartoons that teach manners like this.
Visual learning can be very effective, and there are many educational videos and cartoons that teach manners. These can be a delightful way for kids to see how characters use good manners in different situations.
Playing with dolls or action figures and teaching them how to interact politely
Using toys to teach manners can be highly interactive. Kids can have their dolls or action figures interact politely, fostering a sense of empathy and social awareness.
Cooking together and teaching manners at the dinner table
Preparing and sharing a meal with your child offers an opportunity to teach table manners. It’s a practical way to instill good eating habits, like using utensils properly and engaging in pleasant mealtime conversation.
Playing with toy tea sets (we have this one and it’s so cute!) and practicing tea party etiquette
Hosting a mini tea party can be a charming way to practice etiquette, like pouring tea, using napkins, and engaging in polite conversation.
Creating manners-themed crafts, such as thank you cards or door hangers that say “Shh! I’m Studying”
Crafting thank you cards or door hangers that say “Shh! I’m Studying” helps children express gratitude and respect for others’ personal space.
Playing the “Manners Game” where children are rewarded for using good manners
This game reinforces positive behavior, rewarding children when they use good manners, encouraging them to practice politeness consistently.
Acting out skits that teach manners
Skits can help children understand the impact of manners on social interactions. They can role-play scenarios where someone uses good manners, and others respond positively.
Drawing pictures of people using good manners and discussing them
Drawing can be an artistic way to reinforce good manners. Kids can create images of people demonstrating courtesy and discuss how these actions affect others.
Practicing sharing toys and taking turns
Encouraging children to share toys and take turns teaches them about cooperation and the importance of considering others’ feelings.
Playing “Simon Says” with manners-themed commands
Incorporating manners into the classic “Simon Says” game adds an educational twist. Children follow commands like “Simon says, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.'”
Having a “manners day” where everyone dresses up and practices good manners
Dressing up and practicing good manners can be a fun and memorable way to reinforce etiquette. This day can include various activities that emphasize courteous behavior.
Creating a manners chart with stickers to track good behavior
Using a sticker chart to track good behavior encourages kids to make a conscious effort to exhibit good manners consistently.
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Discussing hygiene and teaching proper hand-washing techniques
Teaching proper hand-washing techniques is essential for health and manners. Children can understand that cleanliness is a sign of respect for themselves and others.
Playing “restaurant” and teaching table manners
Role-playing a restaurant scenario is a creative way to teach table manners, including proper use of utensils, ordering, and polite conversation with servers.
Teaching children how to properly answer the phone
Teaching children how to answer the phone politely helps them communicate respectfully with callers and sets a foundation for phone etiquette.
Encouraging children to hold doors open for others
Encouraging children to hold doors open for others instills the value of being considerate and respectful of people’s needs.
Playing “freeze dance” where children have to freeze and greet someone politely when the music stops
This game teaches kids to greet others politely when the music stops, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging others.
Practicing how to accept compliments graciously
Teaching children how to accept compliments graciously helps build self-esteem and positive social interactions.
Playing “I Spy Manners” where children have to find someone using good manners
This game encourages children to observe and appreciate good manners in action, promoting awareness of polite behavior.
Teaching children how to introduce themselves and others
Teaching children how to introduce themselves and others is a fundamental social skill that fosters self-confidence and respect for others.
Encouraging children to ask permission before taking things
Encouraging children to ask for permission before taking things helps them understand the importance of consent and respecting personal boundaries.
Role-playing how to apologize sincerely
Role-playing how to apologize sincerely helps kids learn the significance of acknowledging mistakes and making amends.
Teaching children how to address adults respectfully
Teaching children how to address adults with respect, like using “Mr.” or “Mrs.,” is an essential aspect of politeness.
Practicing how to politely decline something they don’t want
Teaching children how to politely decline offers or favors is a valuable skill that promotes assertiveness and respect.
“Manners are the magic keys that open hearts and create a world filled with kindness and respect.”
Modeling good manners yourself and making it a part of daily life
Children learn a great deal from observing adults, so consistently practicing good manners sets a strong example for them.
Having a “manners parade” where children march and show off their best manners
A fun activity where children showcase their best manners can be a delightful way to celebrate their progress in learning etiquette.
Teaching children how to use proper table settings and utensils
Teaching children how to set a proper table and use utensils reinforces table manners for formal occasions.
Creating a “manners jar” where children can put tokens when they use good manners, and then redeem them for a reward
This reward system motivates children to use good manners by allowing them to earn tokens for polite behavior and exchange them for rewards.
Playing a game where children have to match manners-themed pictures with their corresponding manners phrases
Pairing manners-themed pictures with corresponding phrases helps kids understand how different actions connect to polite language.
Practicing how to ask for help politely
Encouraging children to seek assistance with courtesy teaches them respect for others and effective communication.
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Encouraging children to say “excuse me” when they need to get someone’s attention
Teaching children to say “excuse me” when seeking someone’s attention promotes consideration and politeness.
Teaching children how to wait patiently in line
Teaching kids to wait patiently in line helps them understand the importance of respecting others’ space and time.
Playing a game where children have to guess which manners rule is being broken in a given situation
Playing a game where children identify manners rules being broken in different situations enhances their awareness of appropriate behavior.
Practicing how to give compliments to others
Teaching children how to compliment others fosters positivity and builds their social skills.
Encouraging children to say “sorry” when they make a mistake or accidentally hurt someone else
Encouraging children to apologize when they make a mistake or accidentally hurt someone reinforces empathy and responsibility.
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