While browsing through different news articles, I ran across an article from the UK that said one particular school was "turning back the clock" and starting to teach the students (age 13 and 14) etiquette. And I got to wondering, are they still teaching at least some etiquette in schools these days? Back when I went to school (no, we didn't ride the dinosaurs), we learned proper introductions (a woman is introduced first "John, I'd like you to meet Mary. Mary, this is John"), which fork to use (always work from the outside in), and all those other little niceties we thought were so boring, until we became adults and had to use them. First, did you learn etiquette in school? Second, are they still teaching it?
Yes, I did learn etiquette both in school and at home. No, my daughter has not been as fortunate when attending public school. When she was younger I sent her to Cotillion classes but by watching her eat, stand and talk one would not know that she had attended. Part of that is my fault because we don't eat at the table all of the time and sometimes when we do I have given up with the elbow and napkin. When my daughter and a friend were in elementary school and both made straight A's all year I and the friend's mom decided that at school end we would take our daughters out to Ruth's Chris. Keep in mind my daughter was taking Cotillion at the time, we made reservations, dressed up, did the valet parking and all. Each ordered what they thought they wanted and after the meal was served I noticed that my daughter kept excusing herself to go to the bathroom. After a few times I noticed a smile on her friend's face and I asked what was going on and I was told that my daughter had found the mints in the bathroom and was hanging out eating them. Sometimes, one can take a horse to the water but one cannot get them to drink it. My father would have killed me and I was always afraid to make a mistake, whether in manners or anything else, so I may be going too far over to the other side. Grace
I was born in '76, so I was an 80's kid. Nope, was never taught etiquette in school and my kids are not taught that either. I try to teach them what I've picked up and learned through the years...hopefully they'll know enough to get them through any situation.
Same here, 'cept 1975. I wonder if they have any of those etiquette places around here? Ya know,where the kids get all dressed up and learn the proper table setting, utensils, etc. I would send my kids.
I learned most of my etiquette from Girl Scouts....that's how we earned badges. Setting the table, table manners, that sort of thing. I still remember what fork goes where when setting and which one to use first etc.
I graduated HS in 1979. Don't remember ever being taught etiquette in school in any grade, but my mama certainly taught me the things Clif mentioned, as well as the etc. In my opinion, when the "niceties" are used it shows respect for fellow humans and makes for a more pleasant existence. I also think those things are severely lacking from society today, and that it's a shame. Please forgive me if I've gone beyond the question. I think manners are important.
I grew up on military bases so I learned etiquette at home. The school system on the military bases we were at were not responsible for bringing up anyone's children. It also could be that while my father was in Vietnam we lived around the corner from his family, and they were very strict and proper.
I gaduated public high school in '87 - no classes. Kids today are not taught these classes by the schools - I teach my kids and wished more parents did the same. Some kids just simply have no manners at all!
Tell me about it!! I keep harping on mine about basic table manners, but apparently he eats with wolves during lunch at school. Actually, I think wolves have more manners. :evil:
I don't remember learning etiquette in school, I think that was something we were all expected to learn at home. I don't think my kids learned etiquette in school, either. I just think it's the parents' responsibility.
I agree, but I have no idea what all the silverware is for. Is that considered proper etiquette or just "for special"?
OK, I'm the oddball here. Graduated HS in '73, and I don't know if it was in our actual curriculum but I do know that our elem teachers taught us manners. Also, when I was about 13, my parents sent me to 'charm school' held for about 12 wks on a Sat morning at a local department store (in Pittsburgh). I must say I did learn a lot, and have been able to at least keep some of the information. I don't recall the names of the places, but in Carolina magazine (usually found in doc offices) there are several charm schools advertised.
Over 1,000 guys and 12 girls, they did not bother. We did get the lecture to shave the neck hairs first then the mustache area though!
Blessed, We're with you...the end of the boomer generation. And it seems that manners and etiquette were taught daily, by example. we were taught that it was inappropriate to eat with one's mouth agape, or talk with food in the mouth. We were given compliments when we did something extraordinary. Good behavior was expected. Poor behavior was immediately corrected, usually with a swat or a board. And the application of a spanking was never a federal case. I only hoped that word of my having a "tune up" didn;t get home, or else I got it there too. Somehow, the notion that one punishment fit the crime wasn;t apparent in my house.
My parents taught me etiquette at home. It seems like in elementary school we were taught it as well. At home it was more less the respect thing they taught. How to address elders. I was always expected to say yes Sir, etc. when addressed by anyone, that type of etiquette. At school, it was the Mr., Mrs., etc. that Clif was talking about.
Yes, as can be seen my Post above we do. PM me and I will let you know about it. They only take a certain number of children. They are wonderful and it is a National Organization. Grace
My parents taught me about all of that so that I could fit in anywhere we went and because my father would not put up with anything less. IMHO, it is very important for anyone to know these things...silverware, attire, thank you notes, entering and leaving a table and/or house, how address people, etc Recently my daughter went to someone's for an extra Christmas dinner. Lucky us...they had the china, crystal an silverware and she knew about it all. She was never embarrassed. Sometimes I have to think about it and that is why I sent her to Cotillion classes. Also, I cannot dance a lick and they teach all dances. Grace
At school, I have seen some educators that have apparently chosen to blur the lines between teacher and student, perhaps trying to make the educational process more collegial. And, perhaps that might work...IN GRAD SCHOOL, although I could never imagine some student referring to a full professor as anything but "Professor" or "Doctor" presuming a Ph.D. In my view, the line needs to be maintained from 1st through 12th. I require that the students in my classes be considerate towards their fellow students. I do not answer to anything other than Mr. Johnson, although several of the students know me from outside the school activities. A couple of them hang out with a neighbor's daughter, whom I also teach in school. On the weekends, especially when we are gathered for a fun time, she respectfully calls me by my first name, but is careful to extend me professional courtesy at school. I use professional titles when I speak with adults. I refer to my students as Mister or Miss, to set the tone. None have failed to pick up on that. As a pharmaceutical rep with years of established relationships, at a golf course or on the tennis court, yes I used first names. In front of patients, I referred to them as Doctor, no matter whether they were younger or older than I was.
No. I didn't learn etiquette in school. I had a career military father and a mother that came from a family that demanded etiquette at a very young age. My brother and I were sent to our rooms a many of times due to uncontrolled giggles at the dinner table. This is something IMO that should be used and taught in the home. We have always stressed etiquette in our home, believing that the way your child acts and is expected to act in the home will reflect in public. There are somethings you just can't expect others to teach your children.
Reminds me of To Sir With Love. I just love that movie. Speaking about all this reminds me, since my daughter is home today, that she constantly leaves a mess wherever she goes in the house. I have decided today that I am going to cover the sinks in the kitchen, paint an arrow pointing to the dishwasher with a statement about putting dishes in the dishwasher and I am going to state on the cover that all dishes that do not go in the dishwasher should be washed by hand, dried off and put in their proper place. Will keep all abreast. Grace
