I am Polite

Practicing polite expressions in context supports positive communication habits that become automatic through rehearsal.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Create visual cards showing polite words and phrases: Please, Thank you, Excuse me, I'm sorry, May I?, You're welcome. Display these prominently.

Introduce the polite words through a game: 'These are our Champion Words—the words that show we care about others. Let's practise using them!' Act out scenarios where each phrase is needed:

- Please: 'I want that toy but someone else has it. What do I say?'

- Thank you: 'Someone handed me a crayon. What do I say?'

- Excuse me: 'I need to get by but someone is in my way. What do I say?'

- I'm sorry: 'I accidentally bumped into someone. What do I say?'

- May I?: 'I want to join a game that's already started. What do I say?'

- You're welcome: 'Someone thanked me for helping. What do I say?'

Practise each scenario multiple times with different children. Add complexity: what if you say 'excuse me' and they don't move? What comes next?

Let children invent new polite moments: 'When else do we need Champion Words?' Role-play their ideas.

Close by naming the goal: 'All day long, we're going to practise our Champion Words until they come out automatically!'

Educator tip

Reinforce these words relentlessly through modelling. Children learn more from hearing adults use polite language consistently than from any single lesson.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Evaluate accurate use of polite words in role-play, spontaneous use throughout the day, and understanding of when each phrase is appropriate.

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