Lesson Plan

Manners Matter Lesson Plan

Students will learn and practice key social skills—greetings, active listening, and kindness—through interactive exercises and role-play to foster positive friendships and a respectful classroom culture.

Teaching social skills helps 3rd graders develop empathy, cooperation, and confidence in real-life interactions, creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Print Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Manners

5 minutes

Step 2

Practicing Greetings

7 minutes

Step 3

Active Listening Exercise

6 minutes

Step 4

Kindness Pledge Creation

5 minutes

Step 5

Role-Play and Assessment

5 minutes

Step 6

Reflection & Closing

2 minutes

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Slide Deck

Manners Matter!

Welcome students to our “Manners Matter!” session. Introduce yourself and spark excitement: we’ll learn how greetings, listening, and kindness help us build great friendships.

Today’s Goals

Explain the three main goals for today. Read each bullet aloud and ensure students know what to expect.

Why Manners Matter

Ask: “Why do manners matter when talking to friends?” Record a few answers on the board. Then highlight these key reasons.

Welcome with a Greeting!

Model a friendly greeting with a volunteer: smile, eye contact, using names. Invite another student to try.

Practice Greetings

Distribute the [Greeting Role-Play Cards](#greeting-role-play-cards). Set timer for 1 minute. Students practice in pairs and then switch roles.

Active Listening Steps

Display the [Active Listening Chart](#active-listening-chart). Read each step aloud and model listening with a volunteer.

Practice Active Listening

Have students pair up. One shares a hobby while the partner uses the chart to listen. Switch after 1 minute. Circulate and offer feedback.

Kindness Pledge

Hand out the [Kindness Pledge Worksheet](#kindness-pledge-worksheet). Explain that small acts make big differences. Give writing time and invite volunteers to share.

Skills We Practiced Today

Review the three skills we’ve practiced. Encourage students to remember and use them throughout the day.

Reflection & Closing

Ask each student to share one thing they’ll try tomorrow using our new skills. Praise examples and close with encouragement.

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Activity

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Worksheet

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Worksheet

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Cool Down

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Manners Matter!

Tori Sauerbier

Tier 1
For Schools
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