Poems on good behaviour

[jessica ng]

Can someone tell me where on the Net I can find some poems on good behaviour for elementary students aged between 6 and 13? Thanks in advance.
Jessica

 

[Tdol]

Is this any use?
http://www.voicesnet.org/allpoemstwocategories.aspx?catid=YKIN0010

 

[jessica ng]

Is this any use?
http://www.voicesnet.org/allpoemstwocategories.aspx?catid=YKIN0010

Dear Tdol,
Thanks for your information. I have done the registration being a member of that site. And I'll look for some appropriate poems for my students. In the meantime, if you find other sites where there are poems about respect for others, being a responsbile person, being a well-behaved child, etc, do let me know. Thanks in advance.
Jessica

 

[Ouisch]

Jessica, Jessica
Strong and able
Keep your elbows
Off the table!

(Of course, you'd insert the appropriate child's name.)


We say, "Thank you."
We say, "Please."
We don't interrupt or tease.
We don't argue. We don't fuss.
We listen when folks talk to us.
We share our toys and take our turn.
Good manners aren't too hard to learn.
It's really easy, when you find.
Good manners means
JUST BEING KIND!



Today I pledge to be kind,
to use the nicest words I can find.
Today I pledge to try to share,
to wait my turn and to be fair.


(sung to the tune of "Three Blind Mice"):
3 Nice Mice
3 Nice Mice
See how nice they are
see how nice they are
They're always polite when they nibble their cheese
they never forget to say "thank you" and "please"
they cover their noses whenever they sneeze
ahhh ahhh ahhh-choo (pretend sneeze)
3 nice mice 3 nice mice


(sung to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot"):
I have super manners. Yes, I do.
I can say "Please," and "Thank You," too.
When I play with friends, I like to share.
That's the way I show I care!

 

[Ouisch]

This one's too long to memorize, but it might be something you can print out and distribute to your older (age 9-13, perhaps) students:



Pass the Peas Please by Dina Anastasio
If you run over a sand castle
Created by your brother
Kneel down and say, "I'm sorry."
Then just help him build another

When you see someone who's different,
Don't laugh. It isn't fair.
He might think you are different,
But he doesn't point and stare.

If you're angry at a friend,
Don't punch or kick or shout.
Go for a walk and count to ten,
Then try to talk it out.

No one likes to lose a game,
But if you must, you must.
So if you lose, shake hands and say,
"We'll play again, I trust."

It's hard to keep a secret,
But secret telling's wrong.
Remember, friends who blab too much
Aren't friends for very long.

If your father's talking on the phone
When he should be playing ball,
Don't kick or sulk or whine, "Let's GO!"
That will not work at all.

Don't interrupt your uncle
When he's talking about his car.
Even though it's boring -
Well, you know how uncles are!

When you're eating mashed potatoes,
And there's something you must say,
Please wait until you've swallowed.
The thought won't go away!

If your brother has a cupcake
That's he's saving for tomorrow,
Don't take a bite, not even one,
Or he'll be filled with sorrow.

If your neighbor won't stop talking,
And you feel a yawn come on,
Put your mouth behind your fingers,
Until your yawn is gone.

Don't eat spaghetti with your knife,
Your fingers or a spoon.
Use your fork, although it's hard.
You'll catch on pretty soon.

When you're outside playing soccer,
And kick someone in the knee,
Don't tell him that he's in your way.
Say, "Sorry. Pardon me."

Don't play with Grandma's dishes
If you father has forbid it.
but if you do, and if they break,
Don't say your sister did it!

We all leave toys and clothes around.
It's O.K. just once or twice.
But if a king and queen should come to call,
They might not think it's nice.

When someone's in the bathroom,
And won't get out, don't worry.
Just knock and say, "I'm waiting.
I must come in. Please hurry."

Don't play the drums or sing a song
When somebody is sick.
Just tiptoe by and give a wave,
And say, "Please get well quick."

When your sister's busy practicing,
And you really want to hide,
Don't cover your ears or make a face.
Just smile and go outside.

Towels that are soggy
Will not dry someone's back
So toss them in the laundry,
Or hand them on the rack.

When your sister gets a bicycle
And you just get a kite,
Don't say, "You like her better!"
Say, "Thank you. It's just right."

If a friend is having trouble,
And he falls and gives a yelp,
Don't laugh or point or call him names.
Say, "Are you hurt?" and "May I help?"

If there's something very special
That you'd really like to borrow,
Ask before you take it,
And bring it back tomorrow.

If your great-aunt gives you candy,
And your friends would like a lot,
It's nice to share a little,
Even though you'd rather not.

When you're going to a movie,
And the line is two blocks long,
Don't butt in front, go to the end.
Then calmly hum a song.

When you're sitting at the table,
And want some extra peas,
Don't shout out, "Gimme more of those!"
Say, "Pass the peas, please."

 

[MrPedantic]

What about some of Belloc's Cautionary Tales, e.g. "Matilda":

Matilda told such Dreadful Lies,
It made one Gasp and Stretch one's Eyes;
Her Aunt, who, from her Earliest Youth,
Had kept a Strict Regard for Truth,
Attempted to Believe Matilda:
The effort very nearly killed her,
And would have done so, had not She
Discovered this Infirmity.
For once, towards the Close of Day,
Matilda, growing tired of play
And finding she was left alone,
Went tiptoe to the Telephone,
And summoned the Immediate Aid
Of London's Noble Fire-Brigade.
Within an hour the Gallant Band
Were pouring in on every hand,
From Putney,Hackney Downs, and Bow
With Courage high and Hearts a-glow
They galloped, roaring through the Town,
`Matilda's House is Burning Down!'
Inspired by British Cheers and Loud
Proceeding from the Frenzied Crowd,
They ran their ladders through a score
Of windows on the Ball Room Floor;
And took Peculiar Pains to Souse
The Pictures up and down the House,
Until Matilda's Aunt succeeded
In showing them they were not needed;
And even then she had to pay
To get the Men to go away!
It happened that a few Weeks later
Her Aunt was off to the Theatre
To see that Interesting Play
The Second Mrs Tanqueray.
She had refused to take her Niece
To hear this Entertaining Piece:
A Deprivation Just and Wise
To Punish her for Telling Lies.
That Night a Fire did break out -
You should have heard Matilda Shout!
You should have heard her Scream and Bawl,
And throw the window up and call
To People passing in the Street -
(The rapidly increasing Heat
Encouraging her to obtain
Their confidence) - but all in vain!
For every time She shouted `Fire!'
They only answered `Little Liar'!
And therefore when her Aunt returned,
Matilda, and the House, were Burned.

MrP

 

[jessica ng]

Jessica, Jessica
Strong and able
Keep your elbows
Off the table!

(Of course, you'd insert the appropriate child's name.)


We say, "Thank you."
We say, "Please."
We don't interrupt or tease.
We don't argue. We don't fuss.
We listen when folks talk to us.
We share our toys and take our turn.
Good manners aren't too hard to learn.
It's really easy, when you find.
Good manners means
JUST BEING KIND!



Today I pledge to be kind,
to use the nicest words I can find.
Today I pledge to try to share,
to wait my turn and to be fair.


(sung to the tune of "Three Blind Mice"):
3 Nice Mice
3 Nice Mice
See how nice they are
see how nice they are
They're always polite when they nibble their cheese
they never forget to say "thank you" and "please"
they cover their noses whenever they sneeze
ahhh ahhh ahhh-choo (pretend sneeze)
3 nice mice 3 nice mice


(sung to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot"):
I have super manners. Yes, I do.
I can say "Please," and "Thank You," too.
When I play with friends, I like to share.
That's the way I show I care!

Thank you Ouish for your poems. I will teach these poems to my students. I think they will love them. If you can think of other poems that suit upper elementary level (aged between 10-13), do keep me informed.
Thanks in advance.
Jessica

 

[jessica ng]

This one's too long to memorize, but it might be something you can print out and distribute to your older (age 9-13, perhaps) students:



Pass the Peas Please by Dina Anastasio
If you run over a sand castle
Created by your brother
Kneel down and say, "I'm sorry."
Then just help him build another

When you see someone who's different,
Don't laugh. It isn't fair.
He might think you are different,
But he doesn't point and stare.

If you're angry at a friend,
Don't punch or kick or shout.
Go for a walk and count to ten,
Then try to talk it out.

No one likes to lose a game,
But if you must, you must.
So if you lose, shake hands and say,
"We'll play again, I trust."

It's hard to keep a secret,
But secret telling's wrong.
Remember, friends who blab too much
Aren't friends for very long.

If your father's talking on the phone
When he should be playing ball,
Don't kick or sulk or whine, "Let's GO!"
That will not work at all.

Don't interrupt your uncle
When he's talking about his car.
Even though it's boring -
Well, you know how uncles are!

When you're eating mashed potatoes,
And there's something you must say,
Please wait until you've swallowed.
The thought won't go away!

If your brother has a cupcake
That's he's saving for tomorrow,
Don't take a bite, not even one,
Or he'll be filled with sorrow.

If your neighbor won't stop talking,
And you feel a yawn come on,
Put your mouth behind your fingers,
Until your yawn is gone.

Don't eat spaghetti with your knife,
Your fingers or a spoon.
Use your fork, although it's hard.
You'll catch on pretty soon.

When you're outside playing soccer,
And kick someone in the knee,
Don't tell him that he's in your way.
Say, "Sorry. Pardon me."

Don't play with Grandma's dishes
If you father has forbid it.
but if you do, and if they break,
Don't say your sister did it!

We all leave toys and clothes around.
It's O.K. just once or twice.
But if a king and queen should come to call,
They might not think it's nice.

When someone's in the bathroom,
And won't get out, don't worry.
Just knock and say, "I'm waiting.
I must come in. Please hurry."

Don't play the drums or sing a song
When somebody is sick.
Just tiptoe by and give a wave,
And say, "Please get well quick."

When your sister's busy practicing,
And you really want to hide,
Don't cover your ears or make a face.
Just smile and go outside.

Towels that are soggy
Will not dry someone's back
So toss them in the laundry,
Or hand them on the rack.

When your sister gets a bicycle
And you just get a kite,
Don't say, "You like her better!"
Say, "Thank you. It's just right."

If a friend is having trouble,
And he falls and gives a yelp,
Don't laugh or point or call him names.
Say, "Are you hurt?" and "May I help?"

If there's something very special
That you'd really like to borrow,
Ask before you take it,
And bring it back tomorrow.

If your great-aunt gives you candy,
And your friends would like a lot,
It's nice to share a little,
Even though you'd rather not.

When you're going to a movie,
And the line is two blocks long,
Don't butt in front, go to the end.
Then calmly hum a song.

When you're sitting at the table,
And want some extra peas,
Don't shout out, "Gimme more of those!"
Say, "Pass the peas, please."

Thank you Ouisch for another piece of suggested poem for my older students. It looks long, but I found it describes a wariety of situations in which my students should behave themselves. And also it is a good piece of material teaching rhyming pairs. Thanks for your recommendation.
Jessica

 

[jessica ng]

What about some of Belloc's Cautionary Tales, e.g. "Matilda":

Matilda told such Dreadful Lies,
It made one Gasp and Stretch one's Eyes;
Her Aunt, who, from her Earliest Youth,
Had kept a Strict Regard for Truth,
Attempted to Believe Matilda:
The effort very nearly killed her,
And would have done so, had not She
Discovered this Infirmity.
For once, towards the Close of Day,
Matilda, growing tired of play
And finding she was left alone,
Went tiptoe to the Telephone,
And summoned the Immediate Aid
Of London's Noble Fire-Brigade.
Within an hour the Gallant Band
Were pouring in on every hand,
From Putney,Hackney Downs, and Bow
With Courage high and Hearts a-glow
They galloped, roaring through the Town,
`Matilda's House is Burning Down!'
Inspired by British Cheers and Loud
Proceeding from the Frenzied Crowd,
They ran their ladders through a score
Of windows on the Ball Room Floor;
And took Peculiar Pains to Souse
The Pictures up and down the House,
Until Matilda's Aunt succeeded
In showing them they were not needed;
And even then she had to pay
To get the Men to go away!
It happened that a few Weeks later
Her Aunt was off to the Theatre
To see that Interesting Play
The Second Mrs Tanqueray.
She had refused to take her Niece
To hear this Entertaining Piece:
A Deprivation Just and Wise
To Punish her for Telling Lies.
That Night a Fire did break out -
You should have heard Matilda Shout!
You should have heard her Scream and Bawl,
And throw the window up and call
To People passing in the Street -
(The rapidly increasing Heat
Encouraging her to obtain
Their confidence) - but all in vain!
For every time She shouted `Fire!'
They only answered `Little Liar'!
And therefore when her Aunt returned,
Matilda, and the House, were Burned.

MrP

Thank you Mr. P for your poem. I found that it is difficult for my students as their English level is a bit low. Can you suggest some easier poems?
Jessica

 

[MrPedantic]

Hello Jessica

Would the poems need to relate to behaviour? or could they relate to other subjects too?

MrP

 

[jessica ng]

Hello Jessica

Would the poems need to relate to behaviour? or could they relate to other subjects too?

MrP

The poems need to relate to good manners. One of the major concerns of our school in this term is to promote students' awareness of good behaviour such as 'to be responsible', 'to work hard in their study', and 'to obey school rules'. To help reach this objective, our English department is going to lauch a series of events such as writing competition, fun day, lyrical reading competition, etc. All these events adopt 'good behaviour' as the theme. That's why I'm now looking for some poems for the lyrical reading competition. If you do have some other poems, please let me know (or tell me where I can find some more poems on this topic for six levels from grade 1 to grade 6). Do you know any websites where I can find some vedio clips on good behaviour? I am thinking I may play some vedio clips during the contest. Thank you in advance.
Jessica

 

[Ouisch]

Well, I can't resist posting a link to this film about Mr. Bungle:

http://www.archive.org/details/lunchroom_manners

It's an old educational film that does teach good basic manners (washing your hands before eating, not cutting into line, saying "please" and "thank you", etc.), but it was produced in the 1950s, so the clothes, hairstyles and dialog all make the film unintentionally hilarious. Maybe your students will get a laugh out of it. ;-)

 

[jessica ng]

Hello Jessica

Would the poems need to relate to behaviour? or could they relate to other subjects too?

MrP

Hello, Mr. P, I sent you my reply yesterday. I checked that there was no record, so I sent you this reply. Yes, the poems must relate to good behaviour. It's because our school is now promoting a culture of good behaviour which encourages students to be responsible, to work hard, to respect others, to obey school rules, etc. To help achieve the objective, the English department is going to organize a series of activities relating to this theme, such as lyrical reading competition and writing competition. If you do find some more poems (for 6 levels, from grade 1 to grade 6), please let me know. Do you know where I can find some vedio clips about this topic on the Net? I am thinking to play some vedio clips during the lyrical reading contest. Thanks in advance.
Jessica

 

[MrPedantic]

Hello Jessica

I'm not sure where you'd find some suitable video clips or poems; but I'll look around and see if I can find anything.

All the best,

MrP

 

[jessica ng]

Well, I can't resist posting a link to this film about Mr. Bungle:

http://www.archive.org/details/lunchroom_manners

It's an old educational film that does teach good basic manners (washing your hands before eating, not cutting into line, saying "please" and "thank you", etc.), but it was produced in the 1950s, so the clothes, hairstyles and dialog all make the film unintentionally hilarious. Maybe your students will get a laugh out of it. ;-)

Thank you Ouisch for your information. I watched the film. It's useful, relevant to our school theme. I'll let my students watch it. Thanks a lot.
Jessica

 

[queenbu]

This is short and sweet!



We say "Thank you".

We say "Please".

And, "Excuse me",

When we sneeze.

That's the way

We do what's right.

We have manners,

We are polite.

Also,

SINGING THE PRAISES OF MANNERS
Teach your class to start each day with a rousing musical rendition of manners. The "Piggyback Song" series from Frank Schaffer Online adapts familiar children's lyrics. As an example, the following song is sung to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell":


Manners are the way
To brighten up my day.
Please and thank you's what I say
To brighten up my day.

A very interesting site:

http://www.childfun.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=129

 

[jessica ng]

This is short and sweet!



We say "Thank you".

We say "Please".

And, "Excuse me",

When we sneeze.

That's the way

We do what's right.

We have manners,

We are polite.

Also,

SINGING THE PRAISES OF MANNERS
Teach your class to start each day with a rousing musical rendition of manners. The "Piggyback Song" series from Frank Schaffer Online adapts familiar children's lyrics. As an example, the following song is sung to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell":


Manners are the way
To brighten up my day.
Please and thank you's what I say
To brighten up my day.

A very interesting site:

http://www.childfun.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=129

Thank you Queenbu for introducing this website to me. I found it has a lot of relevant materials. Thanks a lot.
Jessica

 

[queenbu]

You're welcome,Jessica! :-D