Poems of Respect

Speaking respectfully is a key social lesson that all young children learn, usually by example.

Purpose

To guide children to write class word poems to emphasize the use of polite words—“please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “I’m sorry.”

Materials

• Chart paper
• Markers

Preparation

Set up chart pages for each of the polite words you plan to use.

For example:

Procedure

Ask the students to talk about when they should say “please.” Why is it important to use the polite word? Do they have to say it when they’re talking with friends or only with adults?

Now, tell the students they are going to write a word poem based on the letters in “please.” Using Chart 2, have the students make a list of words that begin with the sounds for P, L, E, A, and S.

Next, have the students use some of these words in sentences that start with the word “please.” Write these sentences on Chart 1. For example:

Continue to work through the charts for each polite word phrase—“thank you,” “excuse me,” and “I’m sorry.” Hang the completed charts in the classroom, hall, or media center on a bulletin board entitled—Show Respect… Be Polite.

For older students: Have older students work in small groups to make their own polite word posters. Have the groups share their word poetry.

Discuss: Now that the students have discovered all the different times they can use polite words, have them practice using and listening for the words in class, on the playground, in the cafeteria. Then, have them describe some of the times they used or heard others use polite words. Were there times someone should have used a polite word, but didn’t?

Related Family Article: Showing Respect

Related Lesson Plan: School Manners and Student Behavior

Resources:

• Developing a Pattern of Respect and Respect and Hidden Hurts from Family Works and the University of Illinois provide tips and rationale for modeling respect in the family.


• Family Issues Facts: Children and Respect from the University of Maine and “Family Focus on Respect” (PDF) provide do’s, don’ts, and ways to help family members treat each other with respect.


• Head Start Core Set of Values from the CDC includes points on respect for the family and the community.