MANNERS4MINORS is not a cultural program but rather a fun, interactive way of introducing young children to the benefits of behaving and using manners that are universally accepted. MISS MANNERS, as the teacher of the program is known, will show that behaving in a particular way will ensure that you are liked by your teachers, accepted by your friends and you will have a better chance in life – a well mannered child that becomes a well mannered adult has an enormous advantage over his peers. 

Upon reflection of the success with which Manners4Minors was received by children, parents and schools, We spent some time on the reason why a program like this would be necessary. Surely manners and social skills are taught at home?  Basically, our research came up with a very simple answer:  LIFESTYLE.  Our lifestyles have changed and the environments where these skills where handed over quite naturally in the past (family dinners, Sunday family                     get-togethers, etc.) has, in general, diminished. 

Miss Manners gives one weekly half hour lesson at schools.  She is fun, interactive and extremely passionate about positively affecting each child she encounters.  She, by nature, is optimistic and caring and this endears her to children.  The overall objective for each Miss Manners is to demonstrate to the children what reaction they can expect when they use the good manner or life skill being presented- and the reaction they can expect when they don’t!  By being well informed and educated, the children leave with a clear understanding of the choice they have, and the consequence, – and, ultimately, if they make the wrong choice …. we have created CONSCIENCE because they know better.

This is achieved through the use of our four famous puppet characters and the connection of feeling what is expected:  what does BRAGGING feel like? Do we like it?  What does BEING PROUD feel like? This is the ultimate success of the program: Attaching FEELING to INFORMATION – the most common words spoken by a Miss Manners “And, how does that make us feel?”

Head of Curro Rosen Castle  –  Sally Langerman

“Manners4Minors is a stunning programme!! I have been involved with Manners4Minors for 10 plus years now and honestly wouldn’t run a pre-primary without the programme, it really does make a difference in the lives of the children.”

Department Of Education – Acting Director General

“On behalf of the Department of Basic Education may I take this opportunity to thank you for pioneering the Manners4Minors program.  The DBE evaluation has confirmed that the program is aligned to the CAPS Life Skills curriculum for Foundation Phase.”

Principal of Bedfordview Primary School

“Manners4Minors has had a positive impact on the children at our school. On the playground and in the classroom the children are able to identify each others positive and negative behaviour by relating it to the puppets. The children are going home and telling their parents what they have learnt. This in turn helps parents at home, as well as the teachers at our school, as the Manners4Minors lessons are impacting on our children. We are pleased to see a variety of materials and teaching aids used in the lessons, as this keeps the children interested and enthusiastic. They certainly look forward to their visit by Miss Manners. Thank you for a worthwhile programme and for ensuring that a large number of important topics are covered and taught.”

Claudia Mitchell – Parent

I would like to send a big Thank You to Miss Manners who facilitates the programme at Little Porcupine & Friends in Brackenhurst.My son, Jarred has attended Manners 4 Minors since 2014 and absolutely loves Miss Manners and their weekly classes. I have seen a big change in his attitude and in the way that he incorporates their weekly lessons at home. He has learnt so much and is always super excited to tell us about what he has learnt. I have also seen a big change in his behaviour as he makes it a point to behave in order to receive his stars on a Thursday morning. Thank you for such a wonderful programme and Jarred will definitely be attending the 2016 classes.

iThemba  Academy

Manners4Minors  has been very necessary for the children  at iThemba  Academy in terms of teaching them to interact  with their  peers in an appealing, appropriate manner.   It has definitely introduced the children  to the importance of considering those around  them  in order to receive  social  acceptance and appreciation from society. The Manners4Minors  Reward Chart  has worked  well  in our classes  and the children  are always  excited  to get their  rewards  each week according to how far up the star chart they have climbed.