When I was younger my mom had this collection of children’s stories from Better Homes and Gardens. At least I think that’s who made it. My mom is in Mexico and so I can’t ask her. A) How unfair is it she’s in Mexico and B) who am I going to send the kids to when they are driving me batty? But that is neither here nor there. I just feel it warrants some pity.
Anyway, it was basically a collection of poems and short stories that I loved to read or have read to me. And I really love that she still has it so my kids can read it. Because when they tell me about the stories I am transported back to my childhood. Much like when I read “Where the Wild Things Are” or “There’s a Monster at the End of This Book.”
One of the poems in it is called “The Goops.” I researched it a bit to write this post. It was written over 100 years ago by Gelett Burgess as a way to teach manners and etiquette. There are actually a whole series of books, but I am only familiar with the one poem:
The Goops they lick their fingers, and the Goops they lick their knives
They spill their broth on the tablecloth- they lead disgusting lives!
The Goops they talk while eating, and loud and fast they chew,
And that is why I am glad that I am not a Goop – are you?
Hannah has completely latched onto this poem. She has it memorized and loves to say it. And, who knew, it is totally improving her table manners! If she starts doing something inappropriate at the table, I simply remind her about the Goops and she stops.It is really easy for a preschooler to memorize so give it a try with your kid and make dinnertime a little more pleasant.
Of course this has some unwanted side effects. Like, “Mommy, why are you talking with food in your mouth? That is like a Goop!!” But beggars can’t be choosers right?
For more Works For Me Wednesday ideas, head over to We Are That Family.
jenn
says:
oh i love this!!! and geez with a house full of boys it will come in handy!!
[Reply]
January 12th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Mel
says:
Oh my gosh, Jacob has been memorizing this poem in Language. He likes it too. I’d like to find out if our library has those books….thanks!
Mel´s last blog ..Shine Your Light Wednesdays: All Souls Soup Kitchen
[Reply]
January 13th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Kate
Twitter: ModernAMama
says:
Too funny! Gotta love the kids!
Kate´s last blog ..Health News Tuesday: GM Foods, HIV Tests, Six Risky Chemicals in your Body
[Reply]
January 13th, 2010 at 9:46 am
Tanya
says:
My mom had this book when growing up, and now we have a copy of it too. Priceless!
You can find it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Goops-How-Be-Them-Inculcating/dp/155709392X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263394744&sr=8-2
[Reply]
January 13th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Marj M.
says:
What a way to teach children table manners.
Mommy must watch her Goopism tendancies. That is hilarious. Children take things to heart and they are so smart.
Marj M.´s last blog ..Have been doing a project today!
[Reply]
January 13th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Amy Andrews
says:
Oh, we love the Goops! You can download the ebook for free here. And the 2nd one, More Goops and How Not to Be Them too.
Amy Andrews´s last blog ..How to keep kids occupied when out and about
[Reply]
Diaper Diaries
Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 12:19 am
YEA!!! You are officially my favorite person today!!!
[Reply]
January 13th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
SkylarKD
says:
That is fantastic!!
And thanks to Amy for providing the link to download it!
SkylarKD´s last blog ..New music for our collection
[Reply]
January 14th, 2010 at 8:23 pm