After you leave home, school is the first main step toward maturity. This section provides some necessary social rules developed by both students and adults that you can follow in learning how to get along successfully with people at school.
The main one is to be thoughtful.
Be punctual. Punctuality is a necessity; not only do teachers require it, but others in society demand it. If you are worried about being late, try to leave early, because early arrival is acceptable, though it is preferred to be right on time.
Be Prepared. Preparedness is achieved by thinking ahead about what is needed and when it will be needed. Through life you will find activities much more enjoyable if you are ready for them.
Be neat and careful with your clothes and possessions. Out of reqard for your parents and teachers, as well as for your own sake, try not to lose your things. It is not difficult to keep watch over your clothes, books, toys and other things while you are busy. Neatness of appearance, and orderliness in possessions are qualities that are considered important.
Keep your desk tidy. This tip includes neatness also but it applies in a different way; it is much easier to do good work in a clear space. One messy desk among a number of neat ones pulls down the appearance of the whole group, which is not fair to the others. Always keep up the good standard.
Pick up trash rather than throw it down. Caring about the appearance of not only your own home and school, but town, state and country is the true sign of a good citizen. It should never be to much trouble to hold on to a scrap of trash until you find a litter basket. In large cities especially, people are deeply concerned about the litter problem and even wage campaigns against it. You might join the effort.
His/Her job is to help you to learn, but you alone are responsible for how much you learn. By helping your teacher with her work (cleaning the classroom and caring for others) you are being courteous and should profit from the experience. One caution, never try to gain all of the teachers attention for yourself, remember your classmates.
Some people may be a little different in their school work or play, but it is not up to you to point out those differences. When a new student arrives, take it upon yourself to show him around. Guard against thoughtless words or deeds because they can hurt so easily.
Keep noise down. School is a place in which to talk, but not to disturb others. During lunch, while walking in the halls, and while sitting in the classroom are times when noise requires special self-control; it is so easy to become excited and noisy. Learn to avoid making too much noise and you will enjoy having more people appreciate you.
If you stay on the right side of the hall, as cars do on the road, you can avoid jam-ups. This is a good tip to remember when you are on the sidewalk; if you are heading straight for someone, avoid a collision by being the first to turn aside. The best way to be sure a caution is observed (or an accident avoided) is to be the one to take the initiative.
At school, there are many opportunities to participate in planned activities. By entering them you are showing interest in something others care for. If you learn to take genuine interest in things while you are at school, you will enjoy all the more activities offered later in life.
Do what you know is right, and if there is any doubt consult someone who knows.
Be Honest. Of all the general rules of social conduct, honesty heads the list. Be honest not
only with others but with yourself. Cheating, a sore problem in schools, is the worst thing one can do to
himself during the critical learning years. If you ever feel confused about the general meaning of the the term
"honesty," seek the guidance of your teacher or some other adult. Usually if you rely solely on yourself
in doing your schoolwork, you will avoid trouble.Be dependable. Dependability is one of the
admirable qualities among the social graces. It is easily described by saying:
"Dependability is being trusted to get things done"
The major regard for dependability comes with people's respect and trust in the "doer." As mentioned before,
the way to make sure something gets done is to do it yourself.
Be fair. It is courteous to others to look at both sides before making a decision. Do not be to hasty to judge something or choose a certain point of view. When you are fair with others you are fair with yourself because you show a willingness to co-operate.
The way to succeed in anything is to put forth all your effort! Only beware of getting to far involved in a project to the point of poor sportsmanship. A "bad sport" --someone who ruins an activity with complaints over trivial matters-- is even harder on others then one who is indifferent. Nothing is so vitial that you must be rude to your friends.
Before speaking take a careful, comfortable stance.
Good Posture helps in making your voice clear and distinct. It also improves your appearance, since you will not
slouch or laze in the presences of others. Once you are sure of your stance you need not be continually
shifting and can concentrate more on what you are saying. Motion during conversation is distracting to others as well
as yourself.
You avoid distraction, which might result if you stared at some other part of your friends body. All your life you will learn to admire the person who courteously looks you in the eye and speaks straightforwardly.
Think before, during, and after you speak.
This rule has been given as the "main general rule," for surely it is. A conversation is an exchange
of ideas. Ideas can only come with thought. If you follow this rule you will probably not have to regret a hasty,
thoughtless remark. People will appreciate you the more for your clear thinking.
Never try to speak with something in your mouth.
It does not look nice and sounds terrible;
people will not abide it for long.
When you compare the ease with which you speak when your mouth is free in contrast to when you are chewing gum
or food, you will soon agree with people's feelings on the subject.
Speak in a gentle and pleasing tone.
The person with a course, loud voice is usually not liked as well as one with a softer, gentler voice. A person
is often judged by his voice, and a quiet spoken manner is more acceptable then loudness. Practice and deliberation
can bring about this tone, which represents a form of courtesy because it is pleasing to others.
Avoid the use of slang, swearing, or any other "bad" language.
Bad language indicates poor thinking. It is also discourteous because it is course and unpleasant. Recognize others' opinions.
It is so easy to become overly positive in a conversation. The purpose of a conversation is to exchange ideas.
How can you receive any if you refuse to hear and consider them? Often the other person is right and you are wrong.
Always be ready to listen respectfully to what others have to say. New ideas lead to advancement.
Do not interrupt people while they are talking.
Being cut off in the middle of a sentence is annoying. Avoid it if only for the sake of courtesy. The person who loves
to talk should also remember that others probably have something equally important to say.
Refrain from sarcasm or double meanings in your conversation.
When people hear you speak in such a way they either do not understand or, if they do, are annoyed. Conquer this practice
by speaking directly and sincerely. Sarcasm and double meaning usually go together as a rude habit, easy to acquire.
If someone speaks that way to you, remember your manners, but make it plain that you disapprove.
Try to keep the main topic of the conversation away from yourself.
A person's favorite topic is himself but you should be aware that others usually are not as enchanted by you as yourself.
If you are genuinely interested in someone or you know they really care about what you have to say, then it is alright
to keep the topic on one person. Out in the world, the person who continuously brags about himself is not looked up to
as much as someone who is modest about his accomplishments.
Refrain from discussing people's private affairs or secrets.
Usually gossip is trivial and dull; often false and idle. Turn gossip aside by changing the topic to something more
pleasing, such as school activities; there is no limit to good material for conversation.
Try not to speak ill of others.
Tearing down someone else's accomplishments is usually a sign of jealousy. By making an honest attempt to avoid
jealous feelings, you will be appreciated by others and on better terms with yourself.
Reserve a cheerful topic for conversation
Life is to full of pleasant things to dwell on rather than illness, misfortune, or the private concerns of others.
Personal remarks or jokes are also in poor taste.
Speak only about things you know
People naturally like to sound informed and wise; unfortunately, some try to elaborate upon topics they do not really
understand. The listener can easily tell the difference between the chatter and the well informed speaker.
In conversation, remember "The voice the smile wins." If you are sincere and interested in what is being said you will have little trouble enjoying one of society's favorite pastimes --- talking. if you find yourself becoming bored with the conversation, be considerate; try to revive interest, or else change the subject.
present the younger to the elder, giving the elder's name first. If the two are about the same age, present the newer arrival first.
always present the male to the female, always giving the female's name first, regardless of age.
is to smile in a friendly way and give first the name of the female or, as the case may be, the elder male. The words are not so important as the tone and order of presentation. "This is ..." or say "May I present ...". After the introduction you may want to promote a conversation. This is easily accomplished by giving a few details about either or both of the persons you have presented. From there it is up to them to carry on.
the usual thing to say is "Hello, how are you?" accompanied by a smile. This simple phrase may have many variations. It can be said causally, hurriedly, or eagerly, as the case may be. There is often a wide line between reverse and poor manners. It is not a "must" to make a show of friendliness to someone who does not immediately appeal to you, but you must always be aware of his or her feelings. A smile and a quick, firm handshake accompanied by a direct look are necessary to complete the introduction.
should rise and offer his hand. Presented to another male, also offers his hand.
are expected to take it as part of the introduction. After the formal introduction, it is usually correct to acknowledge the other person further by carrying on a brief conversation. Never detain anyone from meeting others by trying to command all his attention. You can usually tell whether or not there is time for further conversation.
through an introduction do not necessarily shake hands at parting, but there is no fixed rule against it. If you find yourself on friendly terms with your new acquaintance, you you may apply the elasticity of social grace to this situation and shake hands on parting.
it is correct to introduce yourself. Sometime there is no one around to present you, so you must take the initiative. Simply smile and give your name along with any timely information. Do not shrink from being friendly, but avoid being obtrusive. Remember, the first impression you make is important; you would not want to seem to forward.
or including someone in your conversation without an introduction. This is alright for everyday life (at the store, in school, in a business building, or elsewhere) but at a more formal social affair you should be introduced or else present yourself. It is fine to be friendly but you should always observe the basic rules of conduct.
Make the habit of always looking clean and tidy and you will usually be presentable. How you care for yourself is a sign to others of your regard in general, and this sign should always be given attention.
Always try to look your best, as a courtesy to others, and also because you will actually feel better. Everywhere you go there are people who could be future friends, so do not say to yourself, "I won't see anyone I know so I needn't try to look nice."
for a pleasing appearance. If you stand, sit and walk erect your posture will be agreeable. To learn more about posture you should talk to an adult (nurse, teacher, parent, friend) and get individual advice. Good posture depends on effort; sometimes you need help. Good health is a combined responsibility. Those who care for you are expected to provide healthful foods and activities, but you need to take advantage of what is provided. Good health also depends on proper clothing (well-fitting shoes, warm garments for cold weather), cleanliness, and exercise.
a necessity for health and personality. You must sleep enough (at least eight hours a night) to maintain good health, to have a pleasing appearance, and to be an active person.
Life and good health are precious and fragile, and should be guarded well. If you become a cautious, courteous person now, you will not grow up to be a reckless person and a danger to society.
Being attired in the correct clothing can make the difference between comfort in a certain situation or feeling out of place.
Dress in clothing that is modestly becoming. Clothing need not be garish; it is courteous to others to avoid attracting attention to yourself. The term "modestly becoming" merely means that your clothes suit the occasion and look good on you.
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