The Efforts to Build Polite Speaking Habits in Early Childhood
Developing polite speaking habits in early childhood is an important foundation for shaping children's social behavior. Teachers in PAUD play a crucial role in helping young learners understand the value of respectful communication. At this stage, children are highly observant and tend to imitate the language used by adults around them. Therefore, consistent modeling of polite expressions is essential to guide them toward positive verbal behavior.
In many early childhood classrooms, teachers introduce polite language through simple daily routines. Greetings such as “good morning,” phrases like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” are integrated into class activities. By hearing and repeating these expressions regularly, children gradually internalize them as part of their natural communication. The repetition also helps strengthen their understanding of when and how to use polite phrases appropriately.
Storytelling and role-playing activities have also proven to be effective strategies for teaching polite speech. Teachers use stories that highlight characters demonstrating kindness and good manners, allowing children to learn through relatable examples. In role-play scenarios, children practice polite dialogue in real-life situations such as asking for help, borrowing items, or resolving conflicts. These activities help children apply polite language in meaningful contexts while developing communication skills.
Collaboration with parents is essential in reinforcing polite speaking habits outside the school environment. Teachers often encourage parents to model respectful communication at home and provide consistent reminders when children forget to use polite expressions. When both school and family environments align in reinforcing good manners, children receive stronger and more consistent guidance. This partnership significantly accelerates the development of polite speaking habits.
As polite communication becomes a natural part of children's daily interactions, they not only improve their language skills but also build positive relationships with peers and adults. A learning environment that promotes respectful speech leads to fewer conflicts and a more harmonious classroom atmosphere. Teaching polite speaking from an early age is therefore an investment in children’s character development, shaping them into individuals who communicate with empathy, respect, and confidence.
