Dude Don’t be Rude
Tuesday December 4, 2012
Overall message: Every day manners help us all get along
Directions
 Set up the projector or ELMO to display the poem and the 5 ways to combat rudeness.
If using the video, have it loaded and ready.
 Start by reading the poem. Discuss the poem. Read the combating rudeness
statements.
 Choose one of the following activities: manners to live by puzzle activity or pay it
forward video clip and discussion.
 Use processing questions at the end to help with classroom discussion.
Read the poem "Ations" by Shel Silverstein.
Ations
If we meet and I say, "Hi,"
That's a salutation.
If you ask me how I feel,
That's consideration.
If we stop and talk awhile,
That's a conversation.
If we understand each other,
That's communication.
If we argue, scream and fight,
That's an altercation.
If later we apologize,
That's reconciliation.
If we help each other home,
That's cooperation.
And all these ations added up
Make civilization.
(And if I say this is a wonderful poem,
Is that exaggeration?)
Reflection Questions
 What do you think about the poem?
 What was the intended message?
 How does this poem relate to Palatine High School?
5 Ways to Combat Rudeness Easy as 1, 2, 3...
1. Don’t take it personally. Perhaps the offender is having a bad day.
2. Size up your annoyances. Is it worth it to make a fuss over something small, or is it a
waste of your emotional time?
3. Set a good example. Rudeness begets rudeness. If you speak sharply to the bank teller,
don’t be surprised if you get the same treatment in return.
4. Count to ten. When someone’s behavior makes you angry, take a few deep breaths
and ask yourself, “Is it really worth really made over this?”
5. Laugh it off. If you can’t come up with a friendly joke, just chuckle and change the
subject.
OPTIONS:
►Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TghkityJ4u8
 What can you do to pay it forward?
► Manners to live by puzzle activity
(Leader will hand out the responses that are paper clipped, to the students. The leader will
read the beginning phrase and if the student thinks they have the matching statement,
student should “shout out/raise hand” answer). If you have large class break up into smaller
groups but make sure there is at least one leader reading the beginning of the statement in
each group.
 After the activity have the students create 5 more statements that could make Palatine
High School an even better place.
Manners to Live By Activity
If you borrow it……………………….Return it
If you use it up………………………..Replace it
If you mess it up………………………Clean it up
If you know a secret…………………...Don’t tell it
If you don’t understand it……………...Don’t ridicule it
If it isn’t yours………………………..Don’t touch it
If it isn’t yours………………………..Don’t take it
If you make a mistake…………………Say you’re sorry
If you sense a weakness……………….Don’t exploit it
If someone helps you………………….Say thank you
If it’s part of nature……………………Take care of it
If it’s small and helpless……………….Protect it
If you believe it………………………Defend it and live it
If it’s old and feeble…………………..Take care of it
If it’s not your mail………………….Don’t open it
If it’s not your business………………Stay out of it
If it can be recycled…………………….Recycle it
If it’s not your space…………………..Don’t invade it
If you know something good……………Share it
If you need it…………………………….Work for it
If you have it…………………………….Appreciate it
If you love them………………………………Tell them
If you make a promise………………………….Keep it
If you need a friend……………………………Be one
If you want respect …………………………….Give it
Closing Discussion: “Magic Words” They’re not just for children
We learned them as children and these essential words are effortless to say but convey a
wealth of meaning to others. They're powerful for their ability to create positive interactions.
"Please"
Using "please" expresses both respect and consideration for those with whom we're
interacting because it changes a command into a request. It sets the tone for whatever
follows and is one of most important universal manners.
"Thank You" and "You're Welcome"
Most people know to express their thanks for gifts, favors, awards, and the like. But we
sometimes fail to recognize and show appreciation for the everyday courtesies that come our
way, such as when someone holds the door or lets us go ahead in line. Expressing thanks for
these little services is a hallmark of civility.
"Excuse Me"
"Excuse me," "Pardon me," and "I beg your pardon" all express your awareness that you've
inconvenienced someone else.
"I'm Sorry"
Making and accepting apologies gracefully are acts of courtesy and maturity, and they are
important for matters both big and small. Sincere apologies can defuse volatile situations; it's
hard for most people to remain angry with someone who takes responsibility for his own
actions. "I'm sorry" is also one of the simplest and often kindest ways to express sympathy or
regret.
Optional Discussion Ideas
►Manners for Every Day
We use daily manners constantly without even thinking. From greeting and introducing others
to making requests and expressing thanks, these simple exchanges are the foundation of all
interactions. Since our choices impact others, it is important to make our choices
thoughtfully, so as to communicate a considerate awareness of oneself and others.
Why do we use them?
 Manners convey a wealth of meaning to others.
 It is a form of caring.
 Manners affect how we speak and how we act in any situation, with any person.
 Manners affect the people around us and our relationship with them.
How can using them help you?
 They convey respect and consideration for other.
 They're powerful for their ability to create positive interactions.
How can not using them hurt you?
 People may not want to hang out with you.
 Not using good manners makes people uncomfortable to be around you.