You have probably heard it along the way: Homeschoolers are not socialized and are socially backward.
Although the many positive aspects of socialization for homeschoolers have been addressed in this column previously, that is not the focus of this article. Rather, it is to highlight a wonderful opportunity created by a homeschool mom for instilling the higher echelon of social graces into our young people through a fun, interactive setting.
Standards of Excellence Cotillion is the creation of Headmistress Diane Hallett, homeschool mom to seven, model, actress, teacher and speaker. She is the owner of JaCyn Modeling Agency and Self Improvement School in Phoenix and has a vast background in acting and modeling with theater, commercial, runway, print, catalogue, television and movie credits to her name.
The course will cover the following topics:
- Etiquette, Social Graces, and Ballroom Dance (Manners are never out-of-date or inappropriate)
- The Art of Introductions
- The Art of Being a Lady/Being a Gentleman
- The Art of Sitting, Standing, Walking with Grace
- The Art of Conversation
- The Art of Grooming
- The Art of Table Etiquette
- The Art of Gratitude
- The Art of Conflict Resolution
- The Art of Being Other Oriented
- The Art of Etiquette in Technology
- The Art of Being a Good Guest/Host
- The Art of Ballroom Dance
Classes: will be held monthly, September through May
Participants: Boys and girls ages 6-9, 10-13, and 14-18.
Events: Two (Mother/Son, Father/Daughter) Formal Balls
One Five Course Dinner
Introductory Pricing: $100.00
Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 21st (Classes are filling quickly, so save your place right away)
Tuesdays: 1:00 - 2:30 6 - 9 year olds
2:30 - 4:00 10 - 13 year olds
4:00 - 5:30 14 - 18 year olds
All classes will cover the same topics. The older classes will go more in depth in each area. There will be much “hands on learning” so as to ingrain new skills and not simply learn them in theory.
Classes are purposefully back-to-back for the ease of families with multiple children enrolled.
For more information and to register: Contact Diane Hallett by email or phone 480-348-0725
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Comments
I just love the idea of cotillion classes where etiquette in a variety of social situations are taught. Grace and good manners never go out of style, and as an adolescent I would have appreciated the guidance.
As for homeschoolers not being socialized, well, that's just silly talk. As you know.
Hi Debra,
I was in a Cotillion group when I was in High School, and it was a wonderful experience. The focus at that time wasn't so much on manners as it was on experiencing a higher level of cultural outings. I think the mood has changed in our society, and manners are definitely needed!
Yes, it is silly talk that homeschoolers aren't socialized. Most of these students are involved in an average of 5 outside activities, such as sports, church groups, music lessons etc, and the average for public school is about 2.
Classes in social graces would be beneficial to students of all ages and backgrounds whether homeschooled or not. Good manners and proper etiquette is so important in a society that is increasing globally all the time. From my own personal experience, it is the homeschooled children that have these characteristics and many public school children who are in need of Headmistress Diane Hallett's Standards of Excellence Cotillion.
HI Cindi,
Absolutely this is needed for all students, and many adults could use it as well. Thanks for the affirmation of homeschoolers and their manners.
Great article Holly! Indeed homeschoolers and traditionally schooled children alike will greatly benefit from these classes. My two grandchildren, 13 and 11 have learned many lessons in manners but going to traditional school, shopping with Grandma and nightly sleepovers don't quite offer as many chances to implement so much of what they have learned. I'm sharing this wonderful opportunity with my son in hopes he and his wife will enroll my grandchildren. Thanks for posting! :-)
Hi Denise,
Thanks for reading and the comments. You are correct that we need opportunities to practice the skills or they don't do us any good.
Thanks for sharing this with your son and spreading the word!
Fabulous article, Holly.. unfortunately in today's society, social graces are a lost art...
Hi Doug,
That is so true! I am amazed and embarrassed sometimes to hear how rudely we as a society act towards others.
I agree with Doug, perhaps it is time to send our children (young and old) back to Cotillion classes so they can learn and be reminded of a social grace that is now becoming extinct.
Annie,
Indeed, the adults set the standards for what the kids will learn and there are far too many bad examples of non-manners among the grown ups.
Holly, I can't seem to reply to your reply? That's too bad, as I'd hope for more threaded comments. Anyway, I agree about cotillion classes being about experiencing a range of cultural events and having one's horizons broadened. My use of manners, when I wrote the post, was thinking about the wide range of behaviors – loosely called etiquette or manners or grace – that such classes can provide. More than what fork to use or how to write thank you notes...more along the lines of being comfortable in a range of situations, and learning to be comfortable with and confident in oneself. That's what I see as being the true give of cotillion classes.
And I think that's what Homeschool Standards of Excellence appears to provide. Sure, it's channeled into different topics – ballroom dancing, technology, gratitude, conflict resolution – but these classes seem to be focused on young men and women's growth. Manners, grace, etc. are a reflection of that concern for the overall person, I think. As your article and thoughtful responses point out.
Thanks for helping me rethink and fine-tune my comments. :)
Debra,
Thanks for coming back and sharing your new thoughts. Social graces are severely lacking in all areas of society, and I completely agree that the whole person needs to be addressed when we talk about manners. I am afraid that the perception of Americans being rude and ill-mannered may not be far off the mark.
Interesting article, Diane Hallett has stolen this business and is in the
process of being sued. Interesting she is saying she is a Christian and
has high ethical standards when she has behaved the opposite. Beware
of who you promote.
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