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Students learn important social skills

By Peggy Blackburn - Managing Editor
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When they move on to junior high school, some sixth graders at Wetumpka Intermediate will take more with them than the academic lessons they’ve learned. Students in Jeanette Tew’s and Beth Roberts’ classes also have a thorough grounding in correct table manners.

Tew worked with the students during the year providing etiquette instruction, then the children applied that knowledge at a banquet Thursday in the school library.

Long-stemmed glasses, china, silver, linen tablecloths and cloth napkins highlighted the occasion as students dressed in their Sunday best for the formal luncheon.

Tew began the program in 2003 because of her belief that social skills play an integral role in the development of well-rounded students.

“I’ve taught the manners lessons all year, bit by bit,” said Tew. “These skills help them to be socially accepted, not only with their peers but with adults.

“Gwen Turner came and helped them one day about a week before the banquet,” she added. “She donates her time, and she does a great job.”

Parents, teachers and teacher aides served the three-course meal, while Tew and Roberts circulated through the room helping students over any rough spots.

Some of the adult guests ran into slight difficulties themselves, causing Tew to step in.

“I was the first one Mrs. Tew had to correct,” said Wetumpka High Principal Richard Dennis. “I’m not sure what I was doing wrong.”

Dr. Andre Harrison, curriculum coordinator for the Elmore County Board of Education, also didn’t get through the meal unnoticed by Tew.

“She had to show me how to correctly gather up the last of the rice on my plate,” said Harrison. “And Mrs. Tew wasn’t the only one keeping an eye on me, my wife and daughter were too.”

The sixth grade students seemed to appreciate the experience of elegant dining.

“I was scared at first, but I remembered what Ms. Turner and Mrs. Tew told me,” said Carson Calloway. “I really enjoyed everything after that.”

“I liked wearing my suit and coming to the banquet,” said Christian Williams.

“Everything was so beautiful,” said Haleigh Law.

Lessons learned by the children included table setting guides, proper way to be seated by an usher, how to hold flatware, how to arrange flatware after completing a meal and what to expect from a waiter. Other pointers addressed when to stand and when to sit, when to begin eating, portions and asking to be excused from the table.

“We’ve encouraged community involvement with the banquet,” said Tew. “All of our celebrity guests introduced themselves and explained what they do in the community or school.”

District Judge Maura Culberson was the guest speaker at the event.

Prior to the banquet, all of the students had learned finger sign language, and at the conclusion of the meal signed “thank you” to the celebrity guests.

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