Youth Culture Program ...
The Etiquette School of New York teaches children lessons in manners and social graces that have been the fundamentals of courtesy since our country’s inception. The confidence of a firm handshake, the ability to look an adult directly in the eye when introduced, and the ability to speak clearly when spoken to, are skills that will benefit a child throughout his/her entire life. Teaching a child how to engage in dinner conversation without any “yups,” “nopes,” or “unhuhs,” as well as knowing the rules of the table, makes mealtime more enjoyable for you, your child, and any dinner guests you may entertain.
In our Youth Culture Program, self-presentation, the four types of introductions, tips for remembering people’s names, being able to engage in meaningful dinner conversation, writing appropriate and timely correspondence, as well as knowing and using telephone and internet etiquette, are just a few of the topics included in our syllabus. We provide 7~ 18-year-old youth the tools necessary to conduct themselves properly in any social situation, enhance their confidence, and their respect for others. We teach our classes according to school grade groupings: 2nd-5th grades, 6th-9th grades and 10th-12th grades.
 Our program includes a “Final Exam” which requires students to be able to successfully negotiate a full, five-course meal, dining Continental style and employing Silent Service methodologies. We hold our fifth lesson at an elegant, Saratoga Springs restaurant, where students put into practice their newly acquired skills of dinner conversation with distinguished, area citizens as our guests.
Students of all ages absolutely love this lesson best!
Parents are invited to our final lesson where the students review all they have been taught during their course of study. Students that successfully complete this course of study will receive a Certificate of Completion. The pride the students feel with their newly acquired social skills is immeasurable.
Yet, it is a pride that is seen in our students’ eyes, as well as reflected on their parents’ faces.
Our classes are kept small on purpose with never more then ten students in a class. We do this in order to provide each student the individual attention he/she deserves. However, because of our small class size, combined with the importance of the curriculum, we find that each session fills quickly. Therefore, we ask parents to register promptly to insure a place in the class for your child.
AT-RISK/SPECIAL NEEDS YOUTH
In some instances, the downward spiral of At-Risk and/or Special Needs youth is caused in part by not having developed the appropriate situational responses to the common, everyday social interactions that take place around them. These students’ inappropriate behavior affects the way they are perceived by others and how others may treat them. These students’ behavioral challenges are caused by never having been properly taught the skills we take for granted, or because of a physical/mental impairment that has kept them from learning social cues. Whichever the case, their social development has been arrested.
At The Etiquette School of New York, we have developed a unique program with just these students in mind. With the right training and practice, our students are able to build their confidence and self-esteem through the mastery of these everyday, social skills. This new knowledge in turn helps to end the spiral of frustration so many At-Risk/Special Needs children intimately know.
Our staff consults with the family, or the organization that contacts us. Once a commitment is agreed to by all parties involved upon, we then design a curriculum specifically suited for the individual/s in question, and work until a positive outcome is achieved. We enjoy this type of work and find it holistic in its nature for both recipient and teacher.
A sample of topics covered:
COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES…
- Social pleasantries
- Introductions
- Eye contact and nonverbal communication
TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE
INTERNET ETIQUETTE
COMPLIMENTS
THANK YOU NOTES
LISTENING SKILLS
PROTOCOL OF PUBLIC PLACES
- Entering/exiting escalators, elevators & rooms
- Behavior in libraries & museums
- Movie & theatre behaviors
- Conduct at sporting events & concerts
- At the mall
- Public transportation
ACTS OF RESPECT & KINDNESS
THE BEHAVIOR OF GENTLEMEN
THE BEHAVIOR OF YOUNG LADIES
INTERVIEWING SKILLS AND ON THE JOB BEHAVIORS
- The resume
- First impressions
- Dress for success
- Grooming
- Standing, shaking hands & sitting
- How to depart
- Follow-up after the interview
DINING ETIQUETTE…
- The dining table
- Table behavior
- Appropriate mealtime conversation
- Using utensils, napkins, glassware & different dishes
- Eating various foods properly
- How to seat a lady
- Host & guest behaviors
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