Etiquette, Netiquette and Sportsmanship

Whether you are running in a race, communicating in cyberspace or talking to someone face to face, good manners can help you succeed. In this world of many cultures and changing circumstances, knowing the appropriate rules of behavior, or "etiquette," can help you avoid misunderstandings as well as make yours and others' lives more pleasant. Become a more thoughtful citizen by learning the rules of etiquette, netiquette and sportsmanship through these direct links on the Times Launch Point Web site: http://www.latimes.com/launchpoint

Here are the best sites for getting your schoolwork done or for just having fun.

Level 1

Manners Madness: Good manners are a combination of common sense and thoughtfulness that can make interactions with others flow smoothly. Learn how to deal with annoyances at home and at school by exploring real-life situations and coming up with solutions.

http://henson.austin.apple.com/edres/parents/playgrd/manners.shtml

Top Tens at the Table: Keeping your mouth closed while you are eating is highly recommended, while juggling baked potatoes or drinking from the gravy dish is definitely frowned upon. Learn what to do and what not to do at the dinner table and impress your parents with your awesome table manners.

http://www.nppc.org/ForKids/toptens.html

Meet Benny Good Sport and the Good Sport Gang: Find out how to be a good team captain and show good sportsmanship through an illustrated story starring Benny and the Gang playing kickball.

http://www.bennygoodsport.com/book1_1.htm

Level 2

Arrested! Minors in Possession of Bad Manners: Discover what today's teens think of the good manners expected during the 19th century in this fun site that discusses the history of etiquette and includes helpful sections on dating, business, phone and driving etiquette. You can even learn about netiquette rules for using electronic mail and read the "Ten Commandments for Computer Ethics."

http://library.advanced.org/2993/

Sportsmanship Education: Good sportsmanship is not just for athletes and coaches; it's also important for spectators to show respect for the participants and the officials. Find out the "high fives" to good sportsmanship and learn how sports can be an arena for both physical and ethical excellence.

http://www.wcpss.net/athletics/sportsmanship/