JustINSPIRE Social Etiquette WorkSheets

Complete Social Etiquette Student Workbook – All 40 Lessons

Social Etiquette Student Workbook

Grades 6-8 • 40 Complete Lessons

Master essential life skills through comprehensive social etiquette education with worksheets, activities, and extended learning opportunities for every lesson.

How This Workbook Supports Different Learning Styles

Visual

Charts, diagrams, images, color-coding

Auditory

Discussions, verbal practice, listening exercises

Kinesthetic

Role-plays, hands-on practice, movement

Reading/Writing

Journals, written exercises, note-taking

My Progress Tracker

W1

Foundations

W2

Communication

W3

Advanced Comm.

W4

Host/Guest

W5

Table Manners 1

W6

Table Manners 2

W7

Professional Image

W8

Professional Skills

Check off each box as you complete the lessons!

Week 1: Foundations of Social Etiquette

Building the basics of respectful social interaction

1

Introduction to Social Etiquette & Welcoming Behaviors

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the importance of first impressions
  • Identify welcoming vs. unwelcoming behaviors
  • Practice positive body language and facial expressions
  • Develop awareness of personal space and boundaries

Materials Needed

  • Mirror for self-observation
  • First impressions worksheet
  • Practice partner
  • Journal or notebook

Getting Started

Did you know that people form first impressions within 7 seconds of meeting someone? Think about a time when you met someone new. What made you feel comfortable or uncomfortable about that person?

My First Impression Experience:

Person I met:
What made me feel comfortable:
What I want others to feel when they meet me:

Worksheet: The SMILE Formula

Learn the SMILE formula for great first impressions:

S – Smile

Genuine, warm smile

M – Make Eye Contact

Look at the person

I – Introduce Yourself

Say your name clearly

L – Listen Actively

Pay attention to them

E – Engage Positively

Show interest

Practice Activity: Rate your current SMILE skills (1-5 scale):

Smiling naturally:
1 2 3 4 5
Making eye contact:
1 2 3 4 5
Introducing myself clearly:
1 2 3 4 5
Listening actively:
1 2 3 4 5
Engaging positively:
1 2 3 4 5

Self-Paced Activity: Body Language Detective

Observe people in different settings and identify welcoming vs. unwelcoming body language.

Welcoming Body Language
  • Open posture (arms uncrossed)
  • Facing toward the person
  • Appropriate eye contact
  • Genuine smile
  • Relaxed shoulders

Where I observed this:

Unwelcoming Body Language
  • Crossed arms or legs
  • Turning away from person
  • No eye contact
  • Frowning or neutral expression
  • Tense or raised shoulders

Where I observed this:

Extended Learning Opportunities

Family Practice

This week, practice the SMILE formula with family members.

Monday: Practice with a parent
Tuesday: Practice with a sibling
Wednesday: Practice with grandparent/other family
School Application

Use welcoming behaviors in school settings.

Greet teacher with SMILE formula
Welcome new classmate
Practice good posture in class
Community Connection

Practice welcoming behaviors in public.

Smile at store employees
Make eye contact when ordering food
Hold door open for someone

Self-Assessment

Rate your progress on today’s lesson objectives:

I can identify welcoming vs. unwelcoming behaviors
I can demonstrate positive body language
I understand the importance of first impressions

Key Takeaways

  • First impressions happen in 7 seconds – make them count!
  • The SMILE formula helps create positive first impressions
  • Body language communicates more than words
  • Welcoming behaviors make others feel comfortable and valued

My commitment for tomorrow:

2

Common Courtesies & Basic Manners

Learning Objectives

  • Master the “magic words” of courtesy
  • Understand respect for others regardless of differences
  • Learn appropriate responses to courteous behavior
  • Develop empathy and consideration for others

Materials Needed

  • Magic words reference card
  • Kindness tracking sheet
  • Courtesy response examples
  • Practice scenarios

Getting Started: Magic Words Challenge

How many “magic words” can you name in 2 minutes? These are words that show respect and courtesy to others.

Asking Politely:
Showing Gratitude:
Apologizing:

Worksheet: The Magic Words Toolkit

✨ ASKING POLITELY ✨
Please When requesting something
May I Asking permission
Could you Polite request for help
Would you mind Very polite request

Practice: Rewrite these rudely:

“Give me that book.” →

“Move over.” →

💚 SHOWING GRATITUDE 💚
Thank you Basic gratitude
I appreciate it Deeper gratitude
That’s very kind Acknowledging kindness
You’re welcome Responding to thanks

When someone thanks me, I can say:

❤️ APOLOGIZING & GETTING ATTENTION ❤️
When I Make a Mistake:
  • I’m sorry
  • I apologize
    • My mistake
  • I didn’t mean to
Getting Someone’s Attention:
  • Excuse me
  • Pardon me
  • May I interrupt?
  • Could I ask you something?

Self-Paced Activity: Courtesy Counter

Track how many times you use magic words today and how people respond!

Please
0

Tally marks:

Thank You
0

Tally marks:

Excuse Me
0

Tally marks:

I’m Sorry
0

Tally marks:

Reflection Questions:

Which magic word did you use most today?

How did people react when you used courtesy words?

Which magic word do you need to practice more?

Extended Learning: Respect in Action

Kindness Challenge

Show respect and courtesy to different people this week:

Help someone younger than me
Thank someone who serves others (janitor, bus driver, etc.)
Apologize sincerely when I make a mistake
Use “please” when asking family for help
Say “excuse me” instead of pushing past someone

Best kindness moment this week:

Cultural Courtesy Research

Different cultures show respect in different ways. Research and share:

Culture 1:

How they show respect:

Culture 2:

How they show respect:

One new way I’ll show respect:

Self-Assessment & Goal Setting

Rate Your Magic Words Usage:
Please
1 2 3 4
Thank you
1 2 3 4
Excuse me
1 2 3 4
I’m sorry
1 2 3 4
My Courtesy Goals:

This week I will work on:

I will practice by:

Someone who can help me remember:

Key Takeaways

  • Magic words cost nothing but mean everything
  • Courtesy shows respect for others
  • Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness
  • Courtesy creates positive interactions

💫 Today’s Magic Word Challenge:

Use courtesy words 20 times before our next lesson and notice how people respond!

Goal: Target achieved:

3

Proper Greetings and Introductions

Learning Objectives

  • Master various types of greetings for different situations
  • Learn proper introduction protocols and order
  • Practice handshakes, eye contact, and verbal greetings
  • Understand cultural variations in greetings

Materials Needed

  • Practice partner
  • Introduction order guide
  • Cultural greeting examples
  • Greeting scenario cards

Getting Started: The GREAT Greeting Formula

A GREAT greeting can make someone’s day! Let’s learn the formula for memorable greetings.

G

Genuine smile

R

Reach out for handshake

E

Eye contact

A

Appropriate words

T

Thank them for meeting you

Worksheet: Greetings for Every Situation

👥 CASUAL GREETINGS

With friends and peers

“Hi!”
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“What’s up?”
“Good to see you!”

My favorite casual greeting:

🎩 FORMAL GREETINGS

With adults and in formal settings

“Good morning/afternoon”
“Hello, Mr./Mrs. [Name]”
“Pleased to meet you”
“How do you do?”

I use formal greetings when:

💼 PROFESSIONAL GREETINGS

For interviews and business

“Good [time], I’m [Name]”
“Thank you for seeing me”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you”
“I appreciate your time”

For my future job interview, I’ll say:

🤝 HANDSHAKE MASTERY
✅ DO:
  • Firm grip (not crushing)
  • 2-3 pumps
  • Make eye contact
  • Stand up if sitting
  • Keep it brief
❌ DON’T:
  • Limp or crushing grip
  • Pump too many times
  • Look away during handshake
  • Keep sitting down
  • Hold too long
🎯 Handshake Practice Checklist:
Practiced with family member
Practiced with friend
Got feedback on grip strength
Practiced making eye contact
Practiced standing up to shake
Feels natural and confident

Self-Paced Activity: Introduction Order Flowchart

Learn the proper order for introducing people – it shows respect and prevents awkwardness!

🎯 Introduction Rules

Always introduce the less important person TO the more important person

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 AGE

Introduce younger TO older

“Grandma, I’d like you to meet my friend Jake. Jake, this is my grandmother, Mrs. Smith.”
💼 POSITION

Introduce lower rank TO higher rank

“Principal Johnson, I’d like you to meet my mom, Mrs. Williams. Mom, this is our principal.”
👫 GENDER

Traditionally, introduce men TO women

“Sarah, I’d like you to meet my brother Mike. Mike, this is my friend Sarah.”
🎭 Practice Scenarios – Write the proper introduction:

Scenario 1: Introduce your friend to your teacher

Your friend: Alex | Your teacher: Ms. Rodriguez

Scenario 2: Introduce your younger sibling to your friend

Your sibling: Emma (age 8) | Your friend: Jordan (age 13)

Scenario 3: Introduce two friends of yours to each other

Friend 1: Taylor | Friend 2: Sam

Extended Learning: Cultural Greetings Around the World

World Greeting Research

Research different greeting customs from around the world:

Country: Japan

Greeting custom: Bowing

What it shows: Respect and humility

Country:

Greeting custom:

What it shows:

Country:

Greeting custom:

What it shows:

Most interesting greeting I learned about:

Real-World Practice Log

Practice greetings and introductions in real situations this week:

Monday’s greeting practice:

Who: Where:

How it went:

Tuesday’s greeting practice:

Who: Where:

How it went:

Wednesday’s introduction practice:

Who I introduced:

How it went:

Best greeting moment this week:

Greeting Skills Assessment

Rate Your Skills (1-4):
Handshake quality
1 2 3 4
Eye contact during greetings
1 2 3 4
Introduction order
1 2 3 4
Choosing appropriate greetings
1 2 3 4
Reflection Questions:

What greeting situation makes you most nervous?

Which part of the GREAT formula do you do best?

What will you practice most this week?

Key Takeaways

  • Great greetings open doors to great relationships
  • Introduction order shows respect and prevents awkwardness
  • Handshakes communicate confidence and respect
  • Different situations call for different greeting styles

🎯 This Week’s Challenge:

Practice one new greeting or introduction every day this week. Focus on making it GREAT!

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

4

Etiquette in Public Spaces

Learning Objectives

  • Learn appropriate behavior in various public venues
  • Understand space-sharing and consideration for others
  • Practice queue etiquette and waiting patiently
  • Develop awareness of volume and disruption levels

Materials Needed

  • Public space scenario guide
  • Volume level examples
  • Queue etiquette rules
  • Observation checklist

Getting Started: Public Space Detective

Public spaces belong to everyone! Think about your favorite public places and what makes them enjoyable for everyone.

Favorite public space:

Why I like it:

Good behavior I’ve seen there:
Bad behavior I’ve seen there:

Worksheet: Public Space Etiquette Guide

🏛️ QUIET SPACES
📚 Library
  • • Whisper or use silent signals
  • • Turn off phone ringers
  • • Walk quietly
  • • Respect others’ study space
🎭 Theater/Movies
  • • Arrive on time
  • • Turn off phones completely
  • • No talking during performance
  • • Stay seated during show
🏥 Medical Offices
  • • Speak quietly
  • • Respect others’ privacy
  • • Follow office rules
  • • Be patient with wait times

Quiet space I visit most:

My best behavior there:

🎊 ACTIVE SPACES
🛍️ Shopping Centers
  • • Normal conversation volume
  • • Stay with your group
  • • Be polite to employees
  • • Don’t block walkways
🏃‍♂️ Parks/Recreation
  • • Share equipment fairly
  • • Clean up after yourself
  • • Follow posted rules
  • • Be inclusive in activities
🍔 Restaurants
  • • Use appropriate volume for setting
  • • Be patient with service
  • • Treat servers with respect
  • • Keep table area clean

Active space I visit most:

How I show consideration:

🚌 TRANSPORTATION ETIQUETTE
School Bus
  • • Stay seated
  • • Use indoor voice
  • • Respect driver
  • • Keep aisles clear
Public Transit
  • • Offer seats to those who need them
  • • Keep backpack in front
  • • Use headphones
  • • Move to center
Car Rides
  • • Wear seatbelt
  • • Don’t distract driver
  • • Keep car clean
  • • Thank the driver
Walking
  • • Stay on right side
  • • Don’t block sidewalks
  • • Be aware of surroundings
  • • Help when needed

Self-Paced Activity: Queue Etiquette Master

Lines and queues are everywhere! Master the art of waiting politely and fairly.

✅ QUEUE DO’S
Wait your turn

No cutting in line, even if you know someone ahead

Keep appropriate distance

About arm’s length from person in front

Be patient and polite

Everyone is waiting, just like you

Help maintain order

Politely point out the end of line to newcomers

Prepare ahead

Have money, tickets, or ID ready

❌ QUEUE DON’TS
Don’t cut in line

Unfair to others who waited properly

Don’t save spots

For large groups or latecomers

Don’t stand too close

Respects personal space and comfort

Don’t complain loudly

Makes waiting unpleasant for everyone

Don’t be unprepared

Slows down the line for everyone

🎯 Queue Challenge Scenarios

How would you handle these situations? Write your response:

Scenario 1: Someone cuts in front of you in the lunch line

Your response:

Scenario 2: Your friend asks you to save their spot while they get something

Your response:

Scenario 3: The line is moving very slowly and people are getting frustrated

Your response:

Extended Learning: Public Space Observer

Public Behavior Field Study

Visit different public spaces and observe both good and poor etiquette:

Location: Mall/Shopping Center

Good behavior observed:

Poor behavior observed:

Location:

Good behavior observed:

Poor behavior observed:

Most surprising observation:

Volume Control Practice

Practice using appropriate voice levels in different settings:

Library whisper practice

Practiced whispering at home/library

Restaurant voice practice

Used appropriate volume at restaurant

Public transit quiet practice

Kept voice low on bus/train

Movie theater silence practice

Stayed quiet during movie/show

Volume Control Reflection:

Hardest place to control volume:

Best volume control moment:

Public Etiquette Assessment

Rate Your Public Space Skills (1-4):
Using appropriate volume levels
1 2 3 4
Waiting patiently in lines
1 2 3 4
Respecting others’ space
1 2 3 4
Following venue-specific rules
1 2 3 4
Public Space Commitment:

Public space where I most need to improve my behavior:

One specific behavior I will work on this week:

How I will remember to practice good public etiquette:

Key Takeaways

  • Public spaces belong to everyone – treat them with respect
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