Teaching Children to Be Charming

Last night I dreamt that a teacher asked me how to teach her class how to be charming.

In answer to my dream, I came up the idea of teaching a block focused on the ideals of Victorian society. Though the Victorians certainly were not perfect, I imagined the following premise; children of the time would have believed that their parents were perfect and most would do their best to follow in their parent's footsteps, especially when playing. 

Here is a list of possible goals and parameters:

1.             Children woke up each morning, thinking not about what others could do for them, but what they could do for others.

2.             They thought not only how to be charming, but poised, courteous and polite as well.

3.             Both always said, “May I,” "Please," and "Thank you."

4.             Girls learned how to wear white gloves on their hands and corsets under their dresses, while boys learned how to wear shirts, ties, vests and jackets.

5.             Both learned how to write short notes to their friends, saying "What wonderful weather we are having," and asking "How are you?" and "How was your day?"

6.             Both learned how to sit up straight, how to use a napkin and how to sip their tea with one pinky sticking out.

7.             Girls learned how to carry a parasol, while boys learned how to walk with a walking stick.

8.             Both learned how to walk with poise by practicing to walk with a book balanced on their head.

9.             Girls learned how to curtsy, while boys learned how to bow.

10.          Both learned how to be courteous when meeting in the street or at a dance, saying, "How are you?" "Very fine thank you." "And how are you?"

11.          Both learned how to waltz with the same balance and poise as they learned how to walk.

In my dream, I pictured children playing together, perhaps at dress-up, pretending to be as polite, courteous, and charming as they believe their parents to be. Grades 1-3.

Please comment with suggestions of your own.