Be Polite and Kind (Learning to Get Along) by Meiners, Cheri J, M.Ed (2004) Paperback

by Cheri J. Meiners

When children are kind, courteous, and respectful, people enjoy being around them and reciprocate with the same behavior. This book helps kids understand the importance of showing politeness, speaking kindly, using basic courtesies ("please," "thank you," "excuse me"), and respecting the feelings of others. Scenarios and role-play activities help adults reinforce the book's lessons.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Cheri has her master's degree in elementary education and gifted education. A former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. She is the author of the award-winning children's series, 'Learning to Get Along', and the new series, 'Being the Best Me.' Cheri and her husband, David, have six children and three grandchildren.

Reviews

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book could have brought out so much more of a story-line. But there was no story-line that it felt like. The illustrations are perfect and life-like for such a serious topics. But my kids were bored through this book. It was hard to keep their attention while reading which means that they were not a fan of it. I think there needed to be more of a story-line for this type of book for kids to understand it better.

[Eneida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not overly excited about children's books that are written apparently only to transmit a moral lesson, but this book broke the rule. I love the illustrations, the side and distribution of the text, and the text itself. I read it today for a group of preschoolers, and they seemed to enjoy it a lot. Perfect size for young children.

[Erin Saflarski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This educational children's picture book explains the importance of manners and being respectful of the feelings of others. It also teaches children how to speak kindly through scenarios and role play activities. This would be a fantastic book for the pre-school classroom especially during a unit on manners. Appropriate for ages 4-8.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The whole "Learning to Get Along" series is written for use with young students. Even preschoolers and kindergartners can understand the illustrations and simply stated text. This title is good for covering simple manners and kindness to others.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by my sister, who's an elementary school counselor. The cover is definitely creepy but the content was spot-on. Very explicit teaching of what to say in specific situations and why we are polite. Perfect for preschoolers or kids who struggle with social skills

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on manners for toddlers and preschoolers! Elliot enjoyed it very much!
First read around 1.5years old and have been reading on and off until currently at 2.5. Can easily keep reading this through preschool. Lots to learn, practice, discuss.

[Principle Based Learning]

(recommended by: Ashley B)
Click here for the full article on: More Than Just Fairytales

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of a set of books by Meiners that we have. They are great teaching tools for young children with real life examples and illustrations.
Enjoyed here!

[Cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to teach kids how to be polite and kind. This is a great series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4B's: respect

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have been studying manners in our homeschool. So when I saw Be Polite & Kind for review, I grabbed it. Our family can get into a habit of using our words negatively with a negative tone. I feel like I've been harping on "be kind," "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." And "speak the truth with love." I'm guilty of it too. The content in this book is best suited for smaller children, but no one is too old for a reminder on polite behavior.

Be Polite & Kind sprinkles instruction, situational awareness, and the reason why we are polite and kind throughout in a cyclical manner. It starts out with how our words show others that they are important to us. Then there is a focus on the word "please" and a few situations where using "please" is polite and kind. There's a sprinkle of information: "Being polite means people will often want to help." Then, "thank you" is introduced with a few situations where the phrase could be used. I liked the attention being brought to the reader to make a point to notice things you can be thankful for and verbalize that to others. Help others. And then when others thank you, say "you're welcome." There were a few situations with "excuse me" and "I'm sorry". And then the reader is reminded to think before speaking. "No, thank you" is shown as an option for saying how you feel politely. And then again, the reason we do these things is shown. "Respect others because that is how we each like to be treated." And "people enjoy being around others who are polite and kind." All in all, I think Be Polite & Kind gets 4.5 Stars. Have you or your child read Be Polite & Kind? What did you think? Let me know!

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A monologue from a child who knows all the right ways to say the right things – he has his Ps and his Qs down pat. The books in this series have goodie-goodie children in the making, but just rein that in at the right level, leaving them good, and I certainly can't see them hurting the process of making those for whom the books are made good as a result. And that's not just me being kind.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book to teach children how to use the magic words: thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry, please, and other words.