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Dick and Jane etiquette: Learn your back to school manners

Tami Lancut Leibovitz

The school season has just started, celebrated by millions around the world, most of them are the parents that can get some peace finally! But seriously, the moment all parents waited for has arrived, the summer vacation is finally over and that’s the perfect time to brush up on back-to-school etiquette! The most significant difference in recent years is that technology changed the classrooms and added plenty of distraction and chances to “break the rules”, interfere in class and disobey simple etiquette rules. Some of us are also attending schools and universities, training programs and career workshops and all those tips are relevant to any age!

No need to bring an apple to your teacher, simply following those basic etiquette tips will help your children learn with etiquette in mind, this one goes for the students of all ages:

Do’s:

DO make sure all cell phones, tablets, laptops or any device you carry around is completely turned off, no vibrate and definitely not a buzzing alarm or sound. It’s intrusive for both the teacher and the rest of the class.

DO make sure you are always on time! A timely manner is important both for you to feel comfortable and have a clear head for learning and also distracting for the teacher and the rest of the students.

DO keep your manners in class! Be graceful, say Thank you, excuse me and please. If you are in a new school environment, it’s important to deliver a smooth and stress-free vibe to your environment and can help relieve some of the anxiety of the back to school season.

DO make sure you are NEVER too shy to ask a question, just be polite about it! Raise your hand before you ask, if you send an email-make sure the teacher is ready and willing etc.

DO take the time to appreciate your teachers! They work hard to provide a learning environment and help you achieve your goals, don’t forget they are people with feelings and borders, and respect it.

DO let the teacher know as soon as possible about any learning disabilities, hearing problems, attention disorders etc. you might have. You’ll know the teacher is aware of your issue, whatever it maybe, and it will prevent feeling frustration or feeling misunderstood.

Dont’s:

DON’T make excuses! If you are late for class or late on your homework or an assignment just apologize instead of making an excuse. Things happen but coming up with excuses is a way to take the responsibility away from you, deal with your behavior and accept your responsibility. It’s a great tip for work environments as well.

DON’T take photos in class! Doesn’t matter if you want to snapchat or if you want to make your teacher into a funny meme, it is extremely disrespectful and can even get you in trouble if you post people pictures on social media platforms.

DON’T break school uniform code if there is one, it will make you seem inappropriate in other fields as well and it will show disrespect. If you feel you need to express yourself beyond, choose a way to do it without breaking the school regulations!

DON’T add your teachers and classmates to your social media platforms before asking them first! It may be awkward while some people have different ideas regarding privacy and online information!

As part of my etiquette vision and my TLL workshops I love working with younger crowds, teenagers and kids. Starting early with a great foundation makes learning easier later on! Please feel free to visit my site and ask me anything regarding school etiquette on the “Ask Tami” section on my site – http://bit.ly/AskTami or contact me at Tami@tll.co.il for more information about workshops and lectures for teens and young adults.

May we all have a fruitful school year, filled with wonderful progress and lots of new, exciting challenges!