Why Manners Matter: 7-Week Kids' Ministry Curriculum

Help kids discover that manners are more than rules. They're a way to show God's love to the people around us!

Why Manners Matter is a seven-week kids' ministry series, with an optional eighth-week celebration. Kids learn that they are known by their actions, how to listen with their eyes, ears, and heart, how to use words that build others up, why inside and outside manners matter, how to respect property, how to put others first, and how even the way we eat and drink can bring glory to God. It's packed with hands-on moments kids will remember, like Mr. Potato Head, a torn-up and taped-back-together heart, a sock-war story, popping "selfish bubbles," and a visit from Messy Marvin.

The Lessons

• Week 1: You Are Known (Proverbs 20:11). We are known first by God, who loves us anyway, and by the people around us through our actions. God wants us to be known for good things!
• Week 2: Listening with Your Eyes, Ears, and Heart (Proverbs 4:20-21). With help from Mr. Potato Head, kids learn that we listen because it shows we care and because it's how we learn.
• Week 3: Manners with Our Words (Ephesians 4:29). Words can pierce like a sword or heal like a honeycomb. Kids practice "please," "thank you," "yes, sir," and "yes, ma'am."
• Week 4: Inside vs. Outside Manners (Philippians 2:4). A game of INSIDE or OUTSIDE helps kids see that there's a right time and place for everything, because God loves people and so should we.
• Week 5: Respecting Property (Luke 16:10). Kids walk into a messy room and learn that taking care of what God has given us, and what belongs to others, shows we are thankful.
• Week 6: Putting Others First (Philippians 2:3-4). The world doesn't revolve around us! Kids burst their "selfish bubbles" and learn to share, give, pray, and listen.
• Week 7: Table Manners (1 Corinthians 10:31). Messy Marvin comes to dinner, and kids learn ten table manners, how to set a simple table, and how to bring glory to God even at the table.
• Week 8 (optional): Manners in Motion. Kids put it all into practice by setting the tables and serving dinner to their families or another small group.

What's Included

• Series Overview with an at-a-glance chart, big ideas, and week-by-week prep
• Fully scripted teaching notes for all 7 lessons, with slide and click cues (PDF)
• PowerPoint slide deck for each lesson
• "Think on It" parent takehome for each lesson, with In the Car, Hanging Out, Dinner Discussions, and At Bedtime sections (PDF)
• Kids' note pages and memory verse pages for every lesson
• Memory verse cards for every lesson, plus a series memory verse sheet and Scripture memory ideas
• Small group questions and a small group activity guide with two hands-on activities per week, plus anytime activities
• Printable games and extras: Who Am I? clue cards, Simple Table Setting sheet, Table Manners fridge sheet, and Caught Being Kind tickets

Good to Know

• This is a digital download. You'll receive one zip file; no physical items will be shipped.
• A few teachings invite you to add your own stories or photos, and the slides include placeholders for those pictures.
• Your purchase includes a license for one church, ministry, classroom, or family. See the Terms of Use included in your download.