Politeness counts at Long Island Children's Museum

It’s been summer of fun – sometimes “gross” fun – for visitors to Long Island Children’s Museum. Families have been exploring “impolite” science at LICM’s exhibit “Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body.” Now with school around the corner, the museum’s staff is preparing to help families transition back into “polite society,” during “Pretty Please Day” next week.
 The program, offered Wednesday, Aug. 24, 12-4 p.m., involves drop-in activities that will guide kids in understand ing proper etiquette and good manners. For those kids who need a friendly reminder (or two) to mind their manners, this is a chance to get those parenting lessons reinforced in a way that is enjoyable and accessible for all ages.
“This day is all about making learning about manners fun,” said LICM Director of Education Aimee Terzulli. “All summer we have been teaching about boogers, burps and body odors and exploring the science of the totally gross. Pretty Please Day will hopefully get our visitors back to being polite so they are ready to head back to school in a few weeks.”
The varied activities will involve families in examining how politeness impacts everyone throughout their daily activities. Kids will get the chance to build an edible table setting as they learn the correct way to set the table, design their own gift bag and card to give to a special friend, and create a door hanger they can display on their bedroom door.
Families will learn proper phone etiquette and then create a phone message pad. Children will be reminded of the importance of covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing as they design a fun mask.  Afterwards, storybook characters Brother and Sister from The Berenstain Bears will be making an appearance to encourage children to use their manners every day.