Good manners will often take people where neither money

nor education will take them.

~Fanny Jackson-Coppin

 

1.  Q:  What is the total amount of hours for the full Etiquette Essentials program?

A:  The entire 6 week program (6 classes) is 9 hours.  Children meet for 90 minute once per week.  The program, however, is offered in two separate sessions  E101 and E102 which are taken in sequence.  Once children complete the first session (E101), they are encouraged to sign up for the second session (E102) to complete the full program (see Q#14).

 

2.  Q: Teaching children etiquette skills in the classroom is one thing, but how does the program "stick" after it is completed?

A:  Children learn by the repetition of watching, listening, and doing.  They can easily understand and learn the rules of social behavior and recognize the cues of proper communication.  By offering classes in sequence of an hour or more at a time, children will learn new skills and improve on others at an even and steady pace.  Simply Etiquette layers each lesson which allows children time to observe, listen, and practice each skill they are taught not only in the classroom but at both home and school.  The valuable etiquette and communication skills children learn in the program will, without a doubt, "stick".  The battle we have as parents, however, is when children choose to use them!  You will see results of proper manners, etc. in the beginning, but then you may see those pleasantries gradually slide.  The good news is your child's understanding of  the importance of proper conduct will deepen when they are given the opportunity to watch their peers participate and engage continuously in proper etiquette and effective communication. Moreover, improved manners, polished skills, more confidence, and good methods of communication (not to mention fond memories!) are the essential benefits of a full etiquette program.  Most importantly, children will notice how proper communication, courtesy, and good character will positively affect them throughout their lives.

 

3.  Q:  Isn't an etiquette class considered an old fashioned approach to teaching children to behave?

A:  Etiquette classes were really popular from the 1800s until the early 1950s. After that, taking a class to learn manners and proper deportment was considered out of style or old fashioned -- not to mention that etiquette was thought to be "snobby" or "elitist."  Unfortunately, the term "etiquette" is typically associated with white gloves, finger bowls, and women and children dolled up in lace and frilly attire. However, times are changing!  Attitudes about etiquette classes are gradually evolving and becoming an acceptable (and necessary) form to help individuals polish and perfect their manners and communication skills.  Etiquette consultants are trained to teach children not only proper dining and social protocol, but they incorporate communication and leadership strategies to teach children useful speaking, presenting, verbal and body language skills which help children further develop their self-confidence and self-presentation.

 

 

4.  Q:  Children generally comply to etiquette standards in most places. At what level will etiquette classes improve their social skills?

A:  Yes, in general children have the basic knowledge of proper manners:  saying "please" and "thank-you" are the first words parents instill in their children.  Children all through elementary school have admirable manners when it comes to asking and receiving.  As they grow into the middle school years, many times you'll notice that there's a lot of resistance to even mumble those magical words that they previously were so proud to say. These moments of rebellion are just a stage, nonetheless, and they will grow out of it as they approach college (it's no longer "cool" to be rude!).  However with many children, a lot of positive growth in their social graces is lost when those tender years of "adjustment" are clouded with image issues and bad influences .  It's very important to allow children to "wonder" through the abyss of change (hormonal fluctuations are crazy!). But during this time of growth, children need to have a gentle structure with boundaries.   Giving your child the opportunity to participate in etiquette classes helps take the pressure off of  parents as being the sole role model of good manners.  How that translates is that parents are the models of good conduct and communication. -- at times, however, a child needs to see both his peers and other adults who are in charge  to be the shining display of courtesy, character, and communication.

 

5.  Q:  What is a typical schedule of the Etiquette Essentials program?

A:  Simply Etiquette School of Protocol provides thorough and effective instruction from specialized private classes to full training programs.  All classes begin with proper greetings, table conversation, and a review of newly learned skills.  From there, the class will continue with the scheduled lesson for that day, i.e., using the fork & knife, exercising positive and negative communication cues, and demonstrating courtesy while using social media.  Both private classes and the Etiquette Essentials program are more than a workshop -- Simply Etiquette School of Protocol provides an experience that will last a lifetime!

 

6.  Q:  Can I sign my child up for both E101 & E102?

A:  If there is enough requests to sign up for both courses, parents are welcome to sign up their children for E101 and E102 at the same time.  However, class schedule for E102 will be available once a child has completed the 3 classes (E101).

 

7.  Q:  Why is E101 required before E102?

A:  The first session, E101 Dining, Discussion, and Demeanor introduces the fundamental guidelines to social and dining etiquette then gradually unveils methods of effective communication for the following course E102:  Poised, Polished, and Presentation.

 

8.  Q:  Is tuition the same for all locations?

A:  Tuition sometimes fluctuates depending on the season and location.  Fall and Winter sessions are less expensive than Spring and Summer because of the venue expenses.  Sessions that require distant traveling (Western Massachusetts and Northern N.H. and beyond state borders) are priced at a separate rate.  Tuition for all classes includes instruction, materials, and food -- a separate fee is required to participate in the optional 5-course graduation dinner.

 

9.  Q:  My son attended an etiquette class that was part of an after school enrichment program. Does Simply Etiquette provide a similar curriculum?

A:  Etiquette classes which are part of an after school enrichment program vary in style and content.  Budget plays a large role in class time, presentation, and instructor.  Many schools outsource complete etiquette training programs, and other schools may offer classes as an extracurricular activity; however, some schools offer extended day programs which deliver basic etiquette demonstratons.  Nonetheless, schools that provide etiquette training in any fashion is an advantage to both parents and children!  However, the quality of the program depends on how far the school reaches out to provide a thorough curriculum thus effective results.  Etiquette schools, on the other hand, always offer  thorough, comprehensive, personal training in private and small group settings.

 

10.  Q:  Where are your etiquette classes held?  Do you offer out of state courses?

A:  Simply Etiquette School of Protocol is based in Pepperell, MA.  Most classes are held at the Sister McGrath Community Center in Pepperell.  On occasion, classes will be offered in surrounding towns such as Groton and Nashua.  All private classes are held in Pepperell unless other arrangments are requested in advance.  The full Etiquette Essentials program (6 classes) is the only available option for out of state requests.

 

11.  Q:  What is the average class size of the Program?

A:  The average class is 10 students.  Classes may be as small as 8 or as large as 16.  Once a class enrollement reaches 12, another class schedule will be offered.

 

12.  Q:  Are parents allowed to stay for class?

A:  Parents are not encouraged to stay for class due solely to distraction issues.  We find that students (even the shy ones) participate and engage in activities when Mom and Dad are not watching.  This also gives them the opportunity (and feeling of accomplishment) to demonstrate their newly learned skills at home! 

 

13.  Q:  What is the dress code for class?

A:  The dress code for class is always casual.  Advanced notification for dressy attire will be given when needed.

 

14.  Q: May my children enroll in  the course a second time at a discounted rate?

A:  All former students of Simply Etiquette School of Protocol are welcome to attend any class free of charge after they complete the full series of the Etiquette Essentials Program (E101 & E102). Just contact Mrs. Doerbeck via email or text (617) 803-8646 to inquire about current schedules. She will contact you about the next available schedule and location.

 

 

15.  Q:  How are Simply Etiquette's programs and classes different than etiquette workshops?

A:  Workshops are usually classes with larger groups of participants that demonstrate the fundamentals of etiquette protocol.  Overall, many workshop participants engage in activities typically by listening and watching demonstrations.  The class may last from one to four hours. At Simply Etiquette, programs are taught in layers.  Each class of the 6 are conducted in small groups for 90 minutes which gives participants hands on experience with the instructor and peer-to-peer interaction at a continuous level.  Classes are dedicated to help students develop high personal standards and nurture their desire to be their best at all times. All classes begin with proper greetings, table conversation, and a review of newly learned skills -- food and materials are included in tuition.  As the program moves forward, students are required to give short presentations to improve their speaking and body language skills.  Throughout the program, students will demonstrate team building skills, self-presentation skills, dining and social etiquette necessary for both formal and casual occasions.  At the end of the second program session (E102), students have the option to participate in the Simply Etiquette School of Protocol 5-course graduation dinner where they demonstrate their newly learned skills (separate fee is required).