Polite is Right is a curriculum for children in elementary school. It is designed to teach children social skills and encourage the use of considerate behavior. The program focuses the attention of youth on social rules and customs; helps youth understand why rules are important; and helps youth develop skills and behaviors consistent with these social rules and customs.

The curriculum covers six areas of manners:

• Rules Help Us: helps youth understand why we have rules
• Respect: teaches respect for ourselves, others, property, animals, privacy
• Sportsmanship: getting along with others when competition is involved
• Mealtime Manners: teaches social customs for eating in America and other parts of the world
• Put Your Best Foot Forward: focuses on making introductions, giving and receiving gifts, being a gracious host or guest
• Electronic Etiquette: deals with using the telephone, electronic mail, call waiting and answering machines.

Instructional Materials

The Leader's Guide contains the six modules of activities, family pages for each section, an evaluation instrument and supplemental resources related to manners.

Illinois State Goals & Learning Standards

04A. Listen effectively in formal and informal situations.

04B. Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.

18A. Compare characteristics of culture as reflected in language, literature, the arts, traditions and institutions.

18B. Understand the roles and interactions of individuals and groups in society.