Elementary school girls get a lesson in etiquette

Learning how to be a young lady is a lesson that is first taught at home and to supplement their lessons, second grade girls at Carrie P. Meek/Westview K-8 Center recently took part in the school’s second annual tea party.

“We started last year with the tea party and I saw that the girls enjoyed learning about etiquette,” said Barbara Sands, second grade teacher. “The whole purpose of the party was to promote etiquette so that young ladies will be able to promote the same thing in society.”

In the first year the tea party was for about 12 girls — this year the number of participants has nearly doubled.

“I liked the food the most,” said Apiphanie Hill, an eight-year-old third grader.  “I learned how to drink out of a cup like a lady should and I had a lot of fun with my friends.”

At the party the young ladies were encouraged to dress up in their best attire, wear hats and use proper manners. Third graders who participated a year ago served as hostesses for the new group of students.

“I think that this is a wonderful experience for our students,” said Tracey Crews, principal of the Center. “This program also helps to develop the etiquette and socials skills that these ladies need. We are developing tomorrow’s leaders; that is what we are trying to instill. To have the experience of a tea party with the hats and the outfits symbolizes something that could be a life-long tradition for these ladies.”

“What I enjoyed most about the tea party was how it was set up and what we learned,” said Mya Young, a nine-year-old third grader. “I learned good etiquette and how to act lady-like. Ladies are not supposed to be like boys; they are supposed to have etiquette.”

By Randy Grice
rgrice@miamitimesonline.com