momofsix I am a homeschool mom with six children. View all articles | Contact author

Hi, Ladies. I have found some favorite resources that I wanted to share with you regarding teaching manners. I know you will really enjoy these gems (not in any particular order).

1.Everyday Graces A Child's Book of Manners by Karen Santorum. Here is a little note from the author: "When we speak of politeness we may think of something that can be easily learned from reading an etiquette book. Such may be the case with the simple, isolated behaviors like selecting the proper fork or keeping one's elbows off the table. But true politeness requires more. For it is the mirror of a person's heart and soul-it is an outward expression of inner virtue. And inner virtue is best learned through constant practice and examples. That is why I wanted to create Everyday Graces: A Child' book of Good Manners. It teaches manners through literature that illustrates the connection between good manners and good character. This book grew out of frustration at not being able to find a book on manners for children that instructs through stories rather than by rules and dos and don'ts."

2. My Bedtime Anytime Story book by V. Gilbert Beers. This is a book that was put out by Focus on the Family. It is full of cute stories to teach young children about character. There are great big illustrations with stories to help teach about selfishness, kindness. I loved this book so much that I bought my nephews each a book. You can find it for just pennies on ebay, second hand. What an awesome book! My children love it so much we have worn out the binding!!

3. The Word & Song Bible by Stephen Elkins  
This is an awesome book with great big pictures and audio tapes to read along with the Bible stories.  We  loved this book so much that I also bought one for the nephews.  I love the big colorful pictures in which we can read about Jesus together, or the children can listen to it by themselves as they follow with their fingers the story. God's Word is the best for teaching character. In fact, I use God's word for teaching my children "heart principles". Below is a list of scriptures that I have posted on the wall. The children memorize them and get a small candy. When the children break one of God's commandments we review the scripture that is already in their heart and discuss what scripture their disobedience or unkind act applies. Perhaps, you will find them helpful. Here is our list. I can email you the pdf file if it is easier for you to post. You can also copy this to a word document and print.

4.Scripture Verses for Character Development

Self Control
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.        Psalm 17:3
The tongue has the power of life and death.        Proverbs 18:21
He who answers before listening-that is his folly and his shame.    Proverbs 18:13
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.    Provers 10:19
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from calamity.    Provers 21:23
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business. 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Do not overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.    Romans 12:21
A self confident fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.Pro. 29:11
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.    Romans 12:19
Generosity and Kindness
A generous man will himself be blessed.    Proverbs 22:9
He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.    Proverbs 19:17
Encourage one another daily.        Hebrews 3:13
Carry each others burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Humility
Do not gloat when your enemy falls.     Proverbs 24:17
Do not be conceited.     Romans 12:16
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.     1 Cor. 8:1
Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.     Proverbs 16:18
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.     Romans 12:3
Patience
Be patient.    James 5:7
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offense.  Proverbs 19:11
A Teachable Heart
Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Provers 19:20
He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.     Proverbs 28:13
Obedience
Children obey your parents.    Ephesians 6:1
Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it.     Luke 11:28
Everything is permissible for me-but not everything is beneficial.     1 Cor. 6:12
All who keep his commands abide in Him, and He in them.     1 John 3:24
Contentment
Do not grumble 1 Corinthians 10:10
Diligence
If a man shall not work, he shall not eat.     2 Thessalonians 3:10
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Col. 3:23
Honesty
A false witness will not go unpunished.    Proverbs 19:5
He works deceit shall not dwell in my house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence Psalms 101:7
You shall not steal, or deal falsely, or lie one to another. Lev. 19:11

6. Lamplighter books- check them out on ebay. They are easy to find. I also think they are on Vision Forum's website. These are reprinted books from the early 1800s-1900s. You will find that the character stories will put you in such conviction that you will cry while reading them. Reading these books provides amazingly high vocabulary for your children, and a high standard of character in the stories that our generation has heard. A series that is highly  prized in our family.

7. The Advent Pilgrim series of booklets are amazing. Here is the website:http://youngadventpilgrim.com/shop/index.php