Life Skills

You will learn many things in my class; the most important thing I hope you learn is how to be a good citizen and person.  Imagine how our world would be if everyone was thoughtful and kind!

1. Be respectful of yourself and others.  When another child is speaking, make eye contact and listen quietly.  Do not make fun of his thoughts.  Show that you respect yourself by being clean, neat, in uniform, and always turning in your best work.

2. It is important to say please and thank you.  Make eye contact with the person and say, “May I please…”  or, “Thank you”.  This includes your peers and parents. When offered something you do not want, simply say, “No, thank you.”  Do not comment on the item. Only take one and wait until everyone has been served before asking for another. 

3. When an adult enters the room: stand, make eye contact, and greet him or her.  “ For example: “Good morning, Mrs. Gemma.”  Always call an adult by his or her title; it shows respect and that you understand good manners.

4. Greet adults when you see them on the playground or on the street.  Stop, make eye contact, and say, “Hello Mrs. Conroy.  How are you?”  Wait for a response.  If someone says hello to you; you should stop, say hello back, and ask her how she is. 

5. If asked a question, ask a question in return.  For instance: If someone asks how you are, you say, “Well, thank you.  How are you?” If someone asks about your weekend, you answer and ask about his.

6. Move out of the way if someone is trying to pass.  Always stand and let others pass when you are in a tight space. For instance: stand and let them pass when you are in the church pews or the movie theater.

7. Do not interrupt conversations. Say excuse me and wait.  When there is someone in the room speaking to me, take out a book and read quietly or do homework; do not speak.

8. Do not wear hats indoors.  The exception is women’s hats that are part of an outfit.

9. When shaking someone’s hand, use a firm grip and make eye contact.  Do not squeeze too tightly.

10. Offer to help others.  If a classmate drops his books, help him pick them up.  . 

11. If someone bumps into you, say, “Excuse me,” even if it was not your fault.

12. Always hold the door for people.  Gentlemen should let ladies go in first. 

13. Be welcoming.  Always introduce a person when they are new to a group. 

14. Cover your mouth when you cough (nose-sneeze) and say excuse me.

15. When someone is successful, congratulate them.  Be a good winner; do not brag. If you lose, congratulate the others; do not complain. 

16. Know the difference between casual conversation and proper English.  Know when to use both.  If you are unsure, always use proper English.  For example:  If a teacher calls you, do not say, “What?” or “Yo?”  You say, “Yes, Ms. Ryan?”

17. Do not copy other’s work or cheat.  This goes back to #1.  Show respect for yourself by doing your own work, and show respect for me by not breaking my trust.  You will find that trust is one of the most valuable things you can earn from someone; treasure it.

18.  When given an assignment do not complain.  Your job is to be a good student and learn, and to be a good child and help.  I assign extra work when there are complaints.

19. Pick up after yourself.  This includes the classroom, the playground, and your dishes after dinner.

20. Do not stare at someone who is crying, getting in trouble, or looks like they do not want attention drawn to them.  Offer to help if it is appropriate.

21. If someone falls down or is hurt, stop playing, go over, ask if she is OK, and offer to help.

22. Follow the rules. 

23. Be generous and kind.  Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness.

24. On fieldtrips remember that you represent our school; be quiet, cheerful, helpful, and polite.  Thank the drivers and shake their hands.  Do not complain. Do the same when visiting someone’s house.

25.  Write thank-you notes when you are given a gift.

26. Respect others’ belongings. Return things undamaged and as soon as possible. Thank them.

27. Always give 100%.  Your work represents you.

28. Always be honest.

29. Stand up for what you believe in. 

30. Take responsibility for your actions; do not blame others. Learn from your mistakes and move on. 

31. Forgive others.

32. Be positive and enjoy your life. 

33. Be appreciative for all that you have. 

It starts with you. Do not wait for others; set the example and standard. Remember what Jesus said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  That’s a good lesson.