Note to parent or teacher: Here is a 30- to 40-minute lesson plan on the follow lesson objectives:

• Be able to describe what “courtesy” means, and that good etiquette is an offshoot of practicing courtesy. (Character Building: Social Skills: Courtesy-1a)
• Be able to identify ways in which courtesy is part of a Christian's example, and the components of courteous behavior. (Character Building: Social Skills: Courtesy-1b)
• Understand how one’s behavior affects others and modify one’s behavior accordingly. (Character Building: Social Skills: Courtesy-1c)
• Recognize when one is practicing courtesy and when one is not. (Character Building: Social Skills: Courtesy-1d)
• Be able to list basic social expectations of the country one lives in, such as greetings, table manners, phrases that show courtesy, and awareness of others’ feelings. (Character Building: Social Skills: Courtesy-1e)

Watch “Make Each Step a Loving Step.”

Define courtesy: Polite behavior that shows respect for other people. (Merriam-Webster)

Read “What Is Courtesy?”

Make a list with the children of courteous behavior they would like to improve in.

Read “We’re Having Guests.” Ask the children if they have any questions about things they should do when you have guests.

Discuss local customs for being polite and courteous.

Read “He’s the Picture, We’re the Frame.”

Read “A Caring Servant.”

Watch “The Power of a Smile.” Smiling and helping others are examples of courtesy. Here are some ways the main character in this video was courteous and the good results that were achieved because of that.

• While preparing for the day, the main character made the decision to put a smile on his face. He didn’t wait for something to happen to make him happy; he decided from the start to be positive and smile.
• He wasn’t just smiling to look nice, but to help others. The first person he helped with his smile was his mother with the baby. Later, he helped others with his smile.
• The main character was also concerned about being the help others needed. For example, to cheer up the bird, he sang a happy tune. And when he saw the woman struggling with her cart, he helped her push the cart.
• Smiling won him friends, and those friends helped him smile at the two people who were arguing.
• His smile helped people believe that good would come when the gloomy cloud gave way to a rainbow.
• His happiness and concern for others helped him to show the girl the love God has for her.
• Ask the children if they noticed other acts of courtesy in the video and what results came from those actions.

Read “Simple Courtesy.” This can be followed up with the activity found here.