p. 21 | Hints on Table Manners

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 22, 1906

Hints on Table Manners

A TEACHER on going into the homes of her pupils can not fail to see the faults or good qualities displayed by them.

This is what I noticed in particular, and the way I set about to correct the mistake. The thing noticed was the lack of table manners. They were the children of hard-working farmers, few of whom could talk the American language. I noticed the fault, but could think of no plan that would not hurt the parents' feelings, until I thought of this.

Upon the blackboard one morning the children found these words written with colored crayon:—“Things to Be Remembered,” and underneath was written,—

1. “Never put a knife to the mouth when eating.”

When school called, I told them all to find a clean space near the back of their tablets, and write the words I had written

upon the board. I told them to write very carefully, and leave space for more of the things we must never forget.

I didn't give a talk about the “whys,” etc., of good manners, but let the writing do the work.

Each morning a new rule would appear, such as:—

Never reach for anything when at the table.

Never say, “I don't like this,” or, “I never eat this,” when eating away from home.

Never make unnecessary noises when eating.

Never bend the head to put food into the mouth.

And before long the children were looking at the blackboard as soon as they entered the room.

It wasn't long until the children began telling what their fathers or mothers said, and saying that they were trying to eat that way.

I know it was a success in my school, and perhaps it would be in others. It certainly will do no harm.—Selected.