Classroom Manners- Why You Need Them and How to Teach Them In Your Classroom

Alright,teachers—let’s talk about manners in the classroom (or, in many cases, the lack of them). Have you ever looked at your students and thought, "Didn’t they learn this at home?" Some manners feel so basic, like:

• Holding the door open if someone is right behind you
• Saying “thank you” and not insulting a gift you receive
• Congratulating someone when they win a game against you

Basic, right? Well, in today’s classrooms, these manners aren’t so basic anymore. Unfortunately, many students aren’t being taught them at home. But that’s exactly why we, as teachers, should make it a priority. Teaching manners in the classroom isn’t just about politeness—it creates a foundation for respect,social skills, and a thriving learning environment. Here’s why it matters:

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1. Manners Create a Positive Classroom Community

A well-mannered classroom is a well-functioning one. When students practice kindness, patience, and respect, they help foster a warm and supportive atmosphere. This encourages participation, reduces conflicts, and makes everyone feel valued and safe. When students know how to listen attentively,take turns speaking, and show appreciation, the classroom becomes a space where learning thrives.

If you’re using my classroom management system, you already know it emphasizes responding to misbehavior with appropriate consequences. But teaching manners That’s about reinforcing the yes behaviors—the ones we want to see in our classrooms.

2. Manners Foster Respect for Teachers and Peers

Especially in elementary school, students are learning to navigate social interactions more independently. Teaching them to say “please” and “thank you,” make eye contact when speaking, and use kind words helps them develop respect for both their peers and adults. These skills improve their communication and strengthen friendships—something especially crucial at this age.

When students understand the importance of treating others with kindness and consideration, they build stronger relationships and develop emotional intelligence that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.

3. Manners Teach Life Skills That Extend Beyond theClassroom

Let’s be real—there are plenty of things we learned in school that we never actually used in real life. But manners? They’re real-world skills that students will carry into adulthood. By teaching kids to be polite, considerate, and responsible, we’re preparing them for success in relationships, workplaces, and social settings down the road.

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How to Teach Manners in the Classroom

Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s talk about the how.

Forme, morning meeting has always been the perfect time to explicitly teach the behaviors I want my students to practice. Even in a quick 10-minute morning meeting, manners fit right in! I’ve used manners lesson slides that require zero prep, and they’ve made a huge difference.

Each of my 33 manners lessons includes:

• An introduction to the manner and why it’s important
• A class discussion (with ready-to-go questions!)
• Role-playing activities
• A game or hands-on activity that reinforces the concept

If my students grasp the lesson quickly, I might move on after a day. But if I notice they need more reinforcement, I’ll spend the whole week on it—using the picture books and video clips suggested for extension activities in every single lesson.

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The Bottom Line

I have always loved teaching manners in the classroom because when something is taught explicitly, students are more likely to actually do it.Many of our students “don’t know what they don’t know.” They’re not trying to be rude—they just haven’t been taught. But now, you have a plan and a simple way to make manners part of your daily routine.

Teaching classroom manners isn’t just about making your job easier—it’s about shaping students into respectful, responsible, and kind individuals. When you prioritize manners, you create a positive, structured learning environment where all students can thrive. And the best part? These habits will stick with them long after they leave your classroom, setting them up for success in school and beyond.

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Ready to start teaching manners yourself? Grab my 33 Manners Lesson Plans and you'll be set for the year!