How might we help build manners and social skills in young children?
Through months of research into early childhood education, One Stone members realized one basic skill set that all young children need for success: being polite! Social graces help children navigate their ever-widening world of family, friendships, childcare, and even preschool. The One Stone team created “Polite Passport” as a fun and engaging way to reinforce skills in manners, especially those which parents identified as priorities. Built around an imaginary trip to the seven continents, kids aged 3-5 years old played please and thank you games, practiced setting an elegant table, watched a puppet show about how to ask for help, learned the basics of a good handshake, and sang a song about sharing. Recipients and their parents collected stamps in their Polite Passports at the completion of each station.
Outcomes:
Through two events, the One Stone team members delivered the Polite Passport program to over 25 young children. The children were engaged and many showed interest in coming again another day. Parents at the event described the experience as “fantastic” and “awesome.”
One parent wrote, “It was such a fun time for my kids--I’d definitely recommend it to another family. We’re excited to hear about future programs and events!”
One Stone students reflected on the experience and many noted their most meaningful encounter as a unique moment with a particular child in which they truly connected.
In One Stone team members’ own words:
“I loved seeing the little kids really get into the puppet show. They were so excited to learn, and their manners were impeccable!”
“This was the cutest project I’ve ever seen. The kids and parents seemed to appreciate all the hard work we did.”
