Good handshakes and eye contact are taught at each class.

Junior Manners Cotillion offers four comprehensive programs offering social skills and manners classes to fifth through tenth grade boys and girls. The knowledge we gain from knowing proper social skills, manners, and even how to dance builds self-confidence and self-esteem. We also enjoy our social experiences more when we know our actions are correct. No one enjoys being around a rude person. We teach that being polite is powerful and having confidence is cool.

Fifth graders are in an awkward place. They are too old for elementary and not quite ready for their journey into adulthood. Their hands are small and their handshakes are soft. I believe they know they are on the verge of a new life, and yet they are not sure what that will look like and insecurity is running high.

The majority of their day is spent in a school environment and in close proximity to others. Life is very fragile at this age and the wrong word or action can quickly cause hurt feelings. Girls and boys may handle it differently, but the hurt is the same. When this occurs, the consequences at this age are huge. The child’s pain and emotions take over and it is very difficult to focus on whatever the teacher is teaching. Learning is lost. Bad behavior does not just happen at school. It is seen in children’s sports, scout meetings and birthday parties. Our three main topics are Respect, Responsibility and Consideration for others.

The focus of the 5th Grade Program is to help students evaluate situations quickly and to see themselves as part of the whole and not the center of the situation. In other words, we teach them to look outward instead of inward. They become aware that their behavior plays a part in the outcome of a situation. Children, at this age, need to learn that what they say and do greatly affects others. Everyone has heard of the Golden Rule, but how do you apply it when the other person is being a bully or a tattle tale. How do you apply the Golden Rule when others are hurtful to you?

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“Manners in the Home” is another vital part of the 5th Grade Program. Everyone knows we should be polite and well mannered in public, but does that same rule apply towards family? We can just hear the collective moan. Sometimes it can be a challenge for a 5th grader to buy into the idea that their sister or brother deserves politeness. By broadening the definition of manners and some fun role playing, students quickly learn the benefits.

The 5th Grade Program is designed to build self-confidence and give your child a sure footing regarding the 3 core principles of Respect, Responsibility, and Consideration of Others whether it is on the school ground or within their families. In each of our four classes we teach how good manners are interwoven into those topics through roll-playing and discussion.

Classes meet once a month for an hour and a half beginning in September. There is no class in December. The season ends with a fun themed event.

Certificates are awarded upon the completion of the program.

Locations: Burlingame/Monday, Atherton, Dublin (directions)