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Family Teaching Guide · Ages 10–12

Courtesy

April · Word of the Month

This month's word is COURTESY — respectful, considerate behavior toward others. The most meaningful kind of courtesy is the kind no one is around to notice.

🥋 Courtesy without an audience

Genuine courtesy shows up the same whether or not anyone's watching. Performing politeness for an audience is easy; the real test is how someone treats people who have no social leverage over them — a new student, someone who can't do anything "for" them.

🧠 Why this matters at this age

Preteens are increasingly aware of social status and who's "worth" being nice to. This is exactly the age to notice — honestly, without shame — who gets their best manners and who doesn't, and why.

💬 Try asking your child

  • ●Describe a time you were courteous to someone even though no one was watching.
  • ●Is the Golden Rule always the right standard, or does it need adjusting sometimes?
  • ●How do you treat people who can't really do anything "for" you — be honest.

💡 Try This At Home

Resist correcting every lapse you notice in real time. Instead, revisit the theme later and ask an open question — preteens are far more honest in reflection than in the moment they're called out.

"Courtesy costs nothing, but it isn't always free to give." Ask your child where that costs them something real.

Student Homework · Ages 10–12

April — Courtesy

Name:  Belt Rank:  

Define It

Write the dictionary definition of "courtesy":

What's the difference between performing politeness and genuine courtesy? Give an example.

Courtesy Without an Audience

Describe a time you were courteous to someone even though no one was watching or would know:

Favors With No Strings Attached

List 2 genuine favors you've done recently without expecting anything back: 1) 2)

Why might expecting something in return actually undermine a favor?

Courtesy Toward People With No Social Leverage

Think of someone who can't really do anything "for" you. How do you treat people like this? Be honest.

Reflect

Is the Golden Rule always the right standard? Describe a situation where it might need adjusting.

Apply It

A new student joins your class and doesn't know anyone. Write what genuine courtesy (not just polite small talk) looks like:

⭐ Bring this completed homework back to class to earn your stars and stripe!