The Curriculum I Wish I Had as a Kid—And Why I Made It Myself

Poised & Proper
3 days ago
2 min read

Elementary students practicing social skills in a bright, cheerful classroom — shaking hands, listening, and learning under teacher guidance

I was the kid who didn’t know what to say.

I didn’t know how to make friends. I didn’t know how to set boundaries. And I definitely didn’t know how to handle it when someone was just… mean. Like my sister (love her now, but oof—childhood was rough).

I was sensitive. I felt things deeply. I noticed tone, body language, kindness—or the lack of it. And I remember thinking, even then: “Why isn’t anyone teaching us how to be decent humans?”

The Dream Was Always There

I’ve had the idea for this curriculum in my heart for as long as I can remember. I just didn’t have the words for it yet. But I knew this: rude and disconnected behavior makes me cringe, and I couldn’t be the only one feeling that way.

So after five years in the classroom, hearing the same concerns from parents, watching the same social struggles repeat, and seeing kids crave connection but not know how to get there—I finally said: “Okay. I’ll build it.”

I Built the Curriculum I Needed

And not just for kids like me… but for every child who deserves to feel confident walking into a room. Every kid who wants to make a friend, join a group, speak up for themselves, and still be kind while doing it.

I created Poised & Proper’s SEL + Life Skills Curriculum to be everything I wish I’d had:

✨ Fun, bright, and beautiful (because design matters)

✨ Rooted in real-life application (no boring busywork)

✨ A blend of social-emotional learning and etiquette—because both matter

✨ Packed with games, task cards, videos, and activities that work

✨ Easy to implement for teachers and homeschoolers

✨ Supported by tools for parents so the learning continues at home

It’s not just about posture and thank-you notes (though we do that too). It’s about giving kids the words, awareness, and courage to show up in life with confidence and grace.

It’s a Legacy, Not Just a Lesson Plan

I’ve now taught this to kids as young as four and as old as twelve. I’ve seen students light up when they realize they can lead a conversation or resolve a conflict with kindness. And I’ve heard teacher after teacher say, “Oh my goodness—we needed this.”

That’s when I feel proudest. Because this curriculum isn’t just worksheets and slides. It’s a legacy. It’s healing my own past while equipping the next generation. And it’s only the beginning.

If You’re Starting Your Own Movement…

Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a homeschooler, or someone who just knows this world needs more kindness—you’re not alone. I’ve got a full curriculum ready, or you can start small with a set of task cards and a couple of games to get things rolling.

And if you’ve ever thought, “I want to teach this in my town,” guess what? You can. I license teachers who want to bring these classes to their own communities—and I personally help them get started, step by step, in launching their own etiquette and life skills business.

Because change doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be intentional.