Free Printable Manners Chart for Kids
This free printable manners chart for kids gives parents and teachers a simple visual reminder they can post at home, in the classroom, or at church. Use it to practice the 10 core manners every child should know.
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What’s on the Printable Manners Chart for Kids
1. Please & Thank You
Always ask politely. Always acknowledge kindness.
2. Eye Contact
Look at the person speaking to you. It shows respect.
3. Don’t Interrupt
Wait for a pause. Your words can wait 60 seconds.
4. Hold the Door
Look behind you. Hold it for anyone coming through.
5. Table Manners
Chew with mouth closed. Elbows off the table. Use utensils.
6. Thank You Notes
Handwritten. Within a week. Every gift. Every kindness.
7. Greet Adults Properly
Firm handshake. “Good morning, Mr./Mrs. ____.”
8. Sincere Apology
Say what you did. Say why it was wrong. Make it right.
9. Phone Away at the Table
People in the room come before screens.
10. Win & Lose Gracefully
Congratulate the winner. Don’t gloat. Don’t sulk.
How to Use This Chart
- Print and laminate it — post it where kids spend time (kitchen, bedroom door, classroom wall)
- Focus on 1 manner per week — don’t tackle all 10 at once
- Use it at dinner — ask “which manner did you practice today?”
- Add a sticker chart — for younger kids, track with stickers when they use each manner
- Revisit monthly — behaviors drift without maintenance
Turn the Chart into a Weekly Routine
Start with one manner that would make daily life calmer. Read that line together on Monday, practice the words or action, and look for one real chance to use it. At dinner or class closing, ask what went well. Keep the review brief so the chart feels helpful instead of heavy.
Next, repeat the same skill for several days. Children often need more than one reminder before a behavior becomes automatic. Finally, celebrate effort at the end of the week and choose the next manner together. A steady routine works better than trying to correct all ten skills at once.
Adapt the Manners Chart by Age
- Ages 3–5: Point to the matching picture or line, model the behavior, and use one simple prompt. A sticker or high five can mark the practice.
- Ages 6–9: Let the child choose one weekly skill and name where it will be practiced—at home, school, church, or an activity.
- Ages 10–12: Invite self-reflection. Ask which manner felt natural, which one was difficult, and what respectful response would work next time.
Use Praise That Teaches
Name the exact behavior you noticed: “You put your phone away and listened while Grandma spoke.” Specific praise tells a child what to repeat. If a reminder is needed, stay calm and offer a do-over instead of a lecture.
The CDC’s guidance on rewards recommends choosing a clear behavior, explaining it simply, and recognizing it promptly. Use the chart to make progress visible, not to compare siblings or embarrass a child. If a day goes badly, begin again tomorrow.
Practice Table Manners Step by Step
The complete Table Manners Toolkit includes scripts, practice cards, and a 7-day plan for $7.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should I start using a manners chart?
Age 3 is a great starting point. Use pictures and stickers for younger children. Written checklists work well from age 6 and up.
How many manners should I focus on at once?
One to two at a time. Pick the one that causes the most friction at home and work on that first until it becomes automatic.
Do manners charts actually work?
Yes — when combined with modeling and consistent reinforcement. A chart alone won’t do it. But a chart + daily conversation + calm correction = real results over 4–8 weeks.