Founder and CEO of Mannerly Manners Marilyn Pentel says she came up with the idea in 1985. The programs she had looked into taught rules of etiquette in a more formal setting. Creating the tag line “Manners for everyday life,” Pentel developed a full summer course program that helps children ages 4 and up (divided by age group) understand what manners entail and how to act on them daily.
An abbreviated parent-child class offered through Edina Community Education was introduced last fall, and it turned out to be a huge hit. “They all loved it,” Pentel says. The course topics are divided weekly and cover snippets of what’s offered during Pentel’s full summer course, including introductions, conversational skills, telephone and cell phone etiquette, and table manners. “Every class, I work backwards to review as we move forward because it all connects,” says Pentel. Set in a more relaxed, interactive environment, Mannerly Manners allows children to have fun while developing skills that will last for life.
IF YOU GO:
When: Wednesdays, February 3–24 (program also offered in May; check online for more info).
Where: Edina Community Education Services, 5701 Normandale Road
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Age group: Kids who are currently in grades one through eight
Cost: $135; includes registration for one child/one parent, 49-page manual for parent and child, handouts, a dessert meal for table manners and a certificate of completion.
