Preschoolers naturally copy adult behaviors. Adults who demonstrate proper manners usually have children who do the same. A parent or care-giver cannot expect good manners from a child if he or she isn't polite as well. Demonstrate good manners in a variety of settings. For example, make sure to thank the cashier at the supermarket and say "please" when ordering at a restaurant.
Reading books on manners can help teach children appropriate ways to behave. Many children's books make learning manners interesting and even comical. "How do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?" by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague is a funny story about table manners. "The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners" by Jan and Stan Berenstain focuses on various aspects of good manners in several locations: supermarket, school and home. "Clifford's Manners" by Norman Bridwell features the beloved big, red dog character and is meant to help teach manners to preschoolers.
Positive correction is a good way to help children learn good manners. Instead of focusing on negative behaviors, remind children of positive behaviors. For example, rather than saying, "Don't run," say, "Use walking feet." Instead of saying, "Don't talk while someone else is talking," say, "We raise our hands when we want to talk." This type of positive reinforcement is a great way to remind preschoolers about manners without being disapproving.
Encourage and demonstrate good manners every day at preschool. For example, have the children sit at a table and give everyone a graham cracker on a napkin. Tell the children that they are going to work on table manners. Show them how to eat with their mouths closed and how to use napkins to wipe their mouths. Then let them try. You also can have the children sit in a circle and take turns raising their hands to tell about something. These little simple activities can help improve preschoolers' manners.