George
Washington's School Exercises:
Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior
George Washington
had good manners. He knew how to treat people with dignity. Where
did he learn how to behave? When George was a schoolboy, he copied
"The 110 Rules of Civility," a book of etiquette. He lived
by the "Rules of Civility." People who knew George Washington
admired him because of his good character and we still look up to
him today.
Teacher Directions:
This activity may be facilitated as an individual or group exercise.
The instructor may read "Rules" aloud and lead a group
discussion using the discussion questions as a guide or have students
read aloud and discuss the questions.
Materials Needed:
Student Dictionaries and pencil or pen.
Student Directions:
1. Read each of the "Rules of Civility".
2. Rewrite the "Rules" in words that we would use today
to explain what the rule means.
- Every Action
done in Company ought to be with Some Sign of Respect to those
that are Present.
- Turn not
your Back to others especially in Speaking; Jog not the Table
or Desk on which Another Reads or writes; lean not upon any one.
- Show not
yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your
enemy.
- Associate
yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation;
for it is better to be alone than in bad Company.
- Give not
Advice without being Asked and when desired do it briefly...
- Be not apt
to relate News if you know not the truth thereof.
- Undertake
not what you cannot Perform but be Careful to keep your promise.
- Speak not
Evil of the Absent for it is unjust.
- Rise not
your mouth in the presence of others.
- Labor to
keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire
Called Conscience.
Discussion Questions:
1. Are there
any of George Washington's "Rules" that you find to be
silly?
2. Are there
any of the "Rules" that you find to be good and wise?
3. Tell which
of the "Rules" you would adopt to live by and tell why.
You may only select one.
4. After you
have read the list of Washington's "Rules", what good
character traits do you believe George Washington had?
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