Thanksgiving | Putting our Best Fork Forward

Good manners have much to do with emotions. To make them ring true, one must feel them, not merely exhibit them. - Amy Vanderbilt

At The Leadership Academy, we talk A LOT about good manners. We do this not to create a society of social rule keepers and watchers, but to help equip a generation of future leaders who feel comfortable in their own skin, and to help those around them to feel comfortable.

One of the best places to start teaching kindness, interest in others, and patience, is the dinner table. And one of the best times to do so is around the holidays, when many of us gather around the table with friends and family.

I'm a firm believer in using everyday life moments as teaching moments, keeping in mind that Thanksgiving isn't the destination—it's the journey. When it comes to teaching manners, the key is in making them fun, engaging, and practical. Here are a few easy tips and tricks from our elementary school curriculum that are true for all ages, and easy to use this holiday season!

Table Setting Guide

Table Basics

How to use your utensils correctly