Expeditions In Etiquette

Website: www.ExpeditionsInEtiquette.com | Email: CareySue@CareySueVega.com

PO Box 720056, Oklahoma City, OK 73172 405-721-1467

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Quote: “Prepare yourself for the world, as the athletes used to do for their exercise; oil your mind and your manners, to give them the necessary suppleness and flexibility; strength alone will not do.” - Earl of Chesterfield

Kind Deed: Perform a ‘kind deed’ for someone else. Tell us about it: ________ ____________________________________________________________________

Helping Hand: How did you offer a ‘Helping Hand” to someone else? Tell us about it: ____________________________________________________________

Practice: Basic Table Manners Conversation Starter: Ask your parents, teacher or other adult family friend about ‘basic table manners’. How do they feel when someone does or does not use ‘basic table manners’ in a professional setting? A social setting? A casual setting? Discuss. Mission Accomplished: (adult signature) ___________________________

Practice: Disability Etiquette Conversation Starters: What are the key points of disability etiquette? Why is disability etiquette important? Mission Accomplished: (adult signature) ___________________________

Practice: Inviting a Partner to Dance Conversation Starters: Why is it important to know how to invite a partner to dance? Mission Accomplished: (adult signature) ___________________________

Practice: Magic Words: ‘Excuse Me’, ‘Pardon Me’ Conversation Starters: Why are these words important to use on a regular basis? Why are they important to use with family? Friends? Colleagues? Mission Accomplished: (adult signature) ___________________________

Contests: Don’t forget to review the contest opportunities and submit your entries no later than December 1.

Class Three Level 5 (5th Grade) – Laying the Keel Class Three Level 5 (5th Grade) – Laying the Keel

Note to Parents: The Explorer’s Guide has been created to help transfer what has been discussed and practiced during class into the ‘real world’ - making for an easier transition from ‘learning’ to ‘doing’. Working together on the Explorer’s Guide with your child gives you an opportunity to review, reinforce, and help implement what we are teaching in class. Students who complete their Guide, and turn it in at the next class, will be eligible for prizes. The prizes will be awarded at the end of each class for various activities, such as participation, quizzes, contests and Explorer Guide submittal. Completion of the Guide does not guarantee a prize.

Explorers Guide

‘Top Ten’ List, ‘Video Contest’ and ‘Essay Contest’ We have three different contest opportunities for you to win your choice of • $50 iTunes gift card • $50 AMC Movie gift card

Contest rules: You are encouraged to participate in all three contests; the ‘Top Ten’ list, the ‘Video Contest’ and the ‘Essay Contest’. Entries may be submitted via the website:Video: http://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/youth/video-contests/ Top 10 list: http://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/youth/top-10-contest/ Essay Contest: http://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/youth/essay-contest/

By submitting your entry, you give your permission for Expeditions in Etiquette to use contest entries in all forms of media, including promotion, advertising and any other lawful purpose. Contest Entries are due no later than: December 1. This gives you an opportunity to work on your entries over Thanksgiving break! Winners will be announced at the Dinner and Ball.

Feel free to share your entries on the various Social Media platforms and encourage your friends and family to vote for you. Don’t forget to tag us so we can follow along! • Instagram: CareySueVega and Exp_In_Etq • Twitter: Etiquette101 • Facebook:  ExpeditionsInEtiquette

Contest Topics: Please keep our three basic principles (in the box to the right) in mind when formulating your entry.

‘Top Ten’ List. Level 5 Topic is: Top Ten List of Manners to Use at a Friends House. Have fun and be creative in sharing with us the ‘top ten’ list of manners to be used when at a friends house.

Video Contest.  Setting The Table is the theme for the video contest. Please keep your video short, 30-60 seconds. For inspiration, if you’re on IG, check out @KJP for his creative approach to short videos. Or you can search youtube for inspiration as well. Please be creative and original. You do not personally need to be ‘in’ the video unless you want to. You can let the table setting speak for itself if you prefer.

Essay Contest. ‘Mannerly Role Model’. Who is a great role model to young people when it comes to exemplifying great manners? Is it one of your teachers? A principal? A parent? A family member? A family friend? A celebrity? Share with us in a short, 100 word, essay why you believe they are a great ‘Mannerly Role Model’.

Expeditions in Etiquette is centered around three basic principles:

CAPTAIN = GOD We glorify God with our words,

actions and deeds; offering hospitality and respect to our friends, family and colleagues.

COMPASS = ETIQUETTE The Rules of Etiquette are a great tool

to guide you on life’s journey. They act as a compass to keep you on the right path when the

professional and social seas of life get rough.

ANCHOR = MANNERS Knowing when to drop anchor, knowing how and when to apply

the rules of etiquette is your ticket to self-confidence.

Student Name: __________________________________________________

Adult Educational Opportunities We have a great time in our Adult classes. Far from stuffy or formal; join us for a fun approach to polishing your professional and social skills for better relationships with colleagues and friends. We have a variety of lunch workshops available and are also available to work with your staff, organization, or speak to your groups. Some of the topics available include:

•Etiquette and the Generations – understanding “those guys” •Creating a Great Customer Service Experience •Business Etiquette and Professionalism •Networking Strategy for Networking and Luncheon Events •Professional Dress •Trade Show Booth Training •And much more

Here is the direct link: http://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/business/

Chaperone Opportunities Chaperoning is a great way to see your child in action! Please visit the website, www.ExpeditionsInEtiquette.com and click on the ‘Chaperone Sign Up Forms’ under the ‘Programs’ tab. Here is the direct link: https://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/youth/chaperone-signup-forms/

Join  us  on  Social  Media*!  Don't forget to ‘follow’ and ‘like’ us on Facebook. If you’re on Instagram and Twitter, you can use the hashtag #ExpInEtq to share your family’s expeditions in etiquette.  We can't wait to see the 'mannerly moments' you post.  

Facebook:  Facebook - Expeditions in Etiquette Instagram: http://instagram.com/careysuevega Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Etiquette101  

*If you’re under the age of 13 - you can have a parent post and tag us on Social Media on your behalf !

Social Media Photo Challenge Don’t forget to use the hashtags: #ExpInEtq We will randomly select photos to be highlighted in the “Weekly Updates” Email newsletter. If your photo is selected, you will get to go to the prize table during the next class. Here are some ideas for your photos: #1 - Disability Etiquette #2 - ‘Excuse Me’, ‘Pardon Me’ #3 - Setting the Table

Basic Table Manners Put your napkin in your lap. And use it! Wait! Just because food is in front of you, doesn’t mean you get to dig in. Wait for the host or hostess to start eating. Wait for the blessing to be offered. Try it, you may like it! You have to try it, every time… you might actually like it this time. We don’t want to see it! Chew with your mouth closed. Take small bites. Elbows off the table. They stay tucked to your sides, not out like chicken wings. No reaching. Always start with ‘please’. Please pass the bread, etc. Excuse me. This is multipurpose. If you need to go to the restroom, “excuse me”, And of course return as quickly as possible so your table mates aren’t left to worry. If a ‘bodily function’ accidentally slips (yes, it happens), “excuse me”. Sit up straight. No slumping over your plate. Bring your fork to your mouth not your mouth to the plate. Holding your silverware. We’re not cavemen. Hold utensils as though they were an extension of your pointer finger. Take your dishes to the kitchen. Ask to be excused first, and then take your dishes to the kitchen. If you’re the first one finished, you will need to wait for the others to finish and continue to engage in the family conversation. Keep it Clean. Not only do you want to keep your area clean and free from flyaway food and spills, keep the conversation clean: no ‘inappropriate’ topics at the table (body functions, language, gossip, etc.) Conversation starters. We always start with ‘how was your day?’ for everyone… each person talks about their ‘highs’ and ‘lows’. What went well, what didn’t? How could they have made a better choice or have helped the outcome to be different.

‘Magic Words’ for Smooth Sailing of the Social Seas

‘Excuse Me’ and ‘Pardon Me’ are great multipurpose phrases.

‘Excuse Me’ can be used to ask ‘forgiveness’, to politely announce to someone that you need to ‘pass by’ or ‘squeeze through’, or to leave an area. ‘Excuse Me’ can be used on numerous occasions such as: • when you accidentally bump into someone. Immediately make eye contact,

offer a sincere smile and a genuine ‘excuse me’ to the person you bumped. • a polite way to exit the dinner table during a meal.

‘Pardon Me’ is a polite way of asking someone to repeat what they just said, or asking for someone’s attention. It’s also a polite way to disagree with someone; “’pardon me’, but I think you’ve misunderstood what I said.” • When using the phrase as a way to ask someone to repeat themselves, refrain

from using the slang version ‘do what?’ For someone not familiar with the term, they’re left scratching their head wondering ‘what’ not to ‘do’?

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Class Three Level 5 (5th Grade) – Laying the Keel

Explorers Guide

!Inviting a Partner to Dance Ladies, close your eyes.  Think of the boys in your class at school.  They want to ask you to dance.

All the boys can think of is: - "I'm so embarrassed." - "what if she thinks I can't dance." - "what if she thinks I'm goofy. - "I'll just DIE if she says no."

Now ladies, what are you thinking?: - "I'm so embarrassed." - "what if he thinks I can't dance." - "what if he thinks I am goofy." - "Secretly, I hope someone asks me to dance!"

It takes courage to ask someone to dance so: • Respect the person and his/or her courage and effort to actually ask you to

dance and say:  "Yes, I would love to, thank you for asking." "No" is not an option.

• Songs last, on average, three to four minutes.  Please be polite and courteous to the person who asks you to dance - it is truly your social responsibility to treat that person with respect and make him or her feel appreciated.

• Keep in mind; by saying "yes", there is a very good chance the person will return to his or her friends and tell them what a fun, cool and wonderful person you are ... and you will have many, many more opportunities with other dance partners for the rest of the evening.  If you say "no," you may be on your own in the corner watching as others enter into the spirit of the party.

Disability Etiquette Don't let fear keep you from getting to know people who have a disability. Remember: a person with a disability is a person with feelings. Treat him or her with the same respect you wish to be treated. You cannot always see a disability. If a person acts unusual or seems different, just be yourself. Let common sense and friendship break down any barriers you may encounter. Key Points of Disability Etiquette: • Don’t stare. Staring is disrespectful and makes people feel uneasy. • Avoid asking personal questions about some one's disability. If you must ask, be

sensitive and show respect. • Be considerate of the extra time it might take for a person with a disability to do

or say something. • Be polite and patient when offering assistance, and wait until your offer is

accepted. Listen or ask for specific instructions. • Refer to a person's disability only when necessary and

appropriate. • Use people first language - refer to the individual first,

then to his or her disability. It is better to say "the person with a disability," rather than "the disabled person." Other examples of people first language are: Uses a wheelchair; has cerebral palsy (CP) or other condition; person with Down syndrome; person with Autism; person with a mental or emotional disorder.

• Speak directly to the person with a disability, not just to the ones accompanying him or her.

• Don’t pet or distract a guide dog. The dog is responsible for this owner’s safety and is always working. It is not a pet.

Large ‘Special Occasion’ Dinners and Mealtime Manners With the Holidays fast approaching, many people will be sitting down to ‘break bread’ with sometimes a great number of extended family members. Oftentimes, this includes ‘unfamiliar’ family members. Not too many of us actually enjoy that awkward moment of ‘what am I going to say’ or being stuck in an uncomfortable moment when the conversation isn’t flowing as freely as we would like for it to. By spending some time now with your immediate family, during your FFT dinner, you can work on ‘comfortable conversation’ starters, so hopefully you won’t be stuck in an ‘uncomfortable conversation’.

Create your own ‘Special Occasion’ Conversation Starters to use during Holiday meals: ______________________________

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Family Face Time (FFT) Dinner Plans: Who: Who will be participating? _______________________________

What: What is the Menu? ___________________________________

Who will help in the kitchen? ________________________________

When: When is your FFT Dinner Date? __________________________

Where: Where will you eat? __________________________________

‘Basic’ Conversation Starters: Flip over to the other side of this Explorer’s Guide to get the Conversation Started.

Other Conversation Starter ideas: • What was the highlight of your day? • What was the lowlight of your day? How could you have done something different

to make it better? Or to have a different outcome?

Create your own Conversation Starters: _________________

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