Here's a brief summary of the poem:
- The poem begins by setting the scene of polite children gathering in a room, their behavior in stark contrast to the chaos and noise of the world outside.
- The poet then goes on to describe specific examples of polite behavior, such as saying "please" and "thank you," holding the door open for others, and saying excuse me.
- Ahlberg uses clever rhymes and humorous language to make these polite behaviors seem even more appealing and fun, ensuring that children will enjoy learning about good manners.
- The poem emphasizes the positive impact of politeness, highlighting how it brings smiles to people's faces and creates a harmonious environment.
- The poet also conveys the idea that politeness is not limited to a particular social class or background but is a universal quality that can be adopted by all children.
- Through the portrayal of a group of children interacting with each other in a polite and respectful manner, Ahlberg encourages children to embrace these values and become shining examples of good manners.
- The poem concludes with a reminder to the readers to spread politeness wherever they go, leaving a lasting impression on those around them.
Overall, "Polite Children" is a playful and engaging poem that effectively imparts the significance of politeness and good manners in a way that resonates with children, leaving them with a positive outlook towards respectful behavior and social interactions.