Northwest Fighting Arts
1200 SE Morrison St. Portland, OR 97214
We utilize the POWerful words program to encourage discussion about and reinforce concepts like courtesy, respect, and teamwork. Here is an example of our course:
We Have a New Word of the Month this Month! Courtesy!
Courtesy means showing respect, kindness, and consideration for others. When I say the word “courtesy” what comes to mind (i.e. manners, polite, respect)? Why do you think it’s so important for us to show courtesy to other people? So many people forget to show courtesy! People rush around and don’t stop to say the courteous words that show respect, kindness, and consideration for other people. We have to lead the way! It’s important to look for ways to show courtesy this month at home, at school, out in the community, and here at our school. As leaders, you can really make a difference!
This week, we’re going to discuss how we can be courteous to family, friends, and others:
Week 1
First, review the meaning of the word of the month and what you discussed in the beginning of the week. Then say, last time we talked about how we could show courtesy to our family, friends, and people in our school. What were some of the most important ways we could show courtesy to others here at our school? Good! Today let’s talk about the ways we can show courtesy to people we don’t know in our community. How do we show courtesy to other people when we are at a store (i.e. wait turn, don’t shout, walk not run)? How do people show courtesy to each other when driving on the road? How do we show courtesy to others when we are at the movies or in a restaurant? How can we show courtesy to new people at our school? Why is it so important to show courtesy to other people even when we don’t know them? As leaders, why is it so important to show courtesy to others? Great job!
If you have time: What are 3 ways that you’ve shown courtesy to other people this week? How do people react when you show courtesy to them?
Week 2
First, review the meaning of the word of the month and what you discussed in the beginning of the week. Then say, last time we talked about how we use manners on the phone. What were some of the ways we show courtesy to others when we are answering a call or calling someone else? Good! Today we’re talking about good manners at the dinner or breakfast table. What are some good manners that show courtesy at the table at home (i.e. say please, say excuse me, thank the chef)? What does NOT show good manners at home (i.e. throwing food, saying yuck)? When you’re at a restaurant, do you still have to show good manners? What manners do you need to use at a restaurant (i.e. keep a lower voice)? What happens when someone shows really bad manners at the table? As a leader, why is it important to show good manners at the table? Good! If you have time: What are some courteous phrases that you can say to the person who cooked your dinner (i.e. thank you, yum!)? When have you said that before? Why should we say those things?
Week 3
First, review the meaning of the word of the month and what you discussed in the beginning of the week. Then say, last time we talked about how to meet and greet a new friend. What were some things you could say to start a conversation with a new person? Great! Today we’re talking about how to meet and greet an adult. How do you think you should you greet a new adult? Let’s use the Powerful Greeting, “Hello sir/ma’am. My name is ______. It’s nice to meet you.” (Repeat, use a volunteer). Part of the Powerful Greeting is looking in someone’s eyes and using a Powerful Handshake. Why should we look in someone’s eyes? What do you think it means to give a Powerful Handshake? Remember the POWerful term “GUEST”: Grip the hand firmly but don’t crush! Use a comfortable distance that’s not too close or too far, Eye contact should say “trust me,” Shake should be calm and from the elbow (not the wrist), Time should be at 2-3 seconds.
Week 4
First, review the meaning of the word of the month and what you discussed in the beginning of the week. Then say, last time we talked about when we need to say “excuse me,” “pardon me” or “I’m sorry.” Why do you think it’s so important to use these courteous words? When have you used them lately? Good! Today let’s talk about some other courteous words. Name some (i.e. please, thank you, you’re welcome)! When have you used those words recently at home or in school? As leaders, we need to go beyond “please and thank-you” and seek out ways to use courtesy. For example, let’s seek out ways to help others and say, “how can I help?” When, where, and with whom should use this phrase? Why do you think people DON’T use this courteous phrase often and ask how they can help (i.e. lazy, don’t want to bother)? Why should YOU use this phrase often? Do you? When? Great job this month!
If you have time: Finish this sentence, “I show courtesy when I...” Are you a courteous student? How are you going to show courtesy this week?