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Email Etiquette: Boss Your Inbox!

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Lesson Plan

Email Etiquette: Boss Your Inbox! Lesson Plan

Students will learn and apply respectful email etiquette rules to compose professional and clear emails.

Good email etiquette is essential for effective communication in academic settings, future job applications, and professional interactions. Mastering it now will give students a significant advantage.

Audience

High School Students (16-year-olds)

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, guided practice, and independent application.

Materials

Projector or Smartboard, Pens/Pencils, Email Etiquette Slide Deck, Email Etiquette Script, Email Etiquette Worksheet, and Email Etiquette Worksheet Answer Key

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Email Brainstorm (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Project or write the Email Etiquette Warm-Up prompt on the board.
    - Ask students to briefly jot down their answers individually or discuss with a partner.
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion, asking students to share some of their responses. Use the Email Etiquette Script for guidance.

Step 2

Direct Instruction: The Email Etiquette Essentials (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Present the Email Etiquette Slide Deck, guiding students through the core principles of respectful email etiquette.
    - Follow the Email Etiquette Script for talking points, examples, and prompts for student engagement.
    - Emphasize the 'Why it Matters' and the key components of a professional email (Subject Line, Greeting, Body, Closing, Proofreading).

Step 3

Activity: Spot the Etiquette Error! (8 minutes)

8 minutes

  • Introduce the Email Etiquette Activity to the class.
    - Divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
    - Provide each group with the email examples from the activity and instruct them to identify errors and suggest improvements.
    - Circulate among groups, offering assistance and clarifying misconceptions. Refer to the Email Etiquette Script for prompts.

Step 4

Independent Practice: Draft Your Own! (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down: One Key Takeaway (2 minutes)

2 minutes

  • Ask students to complete the Email Etiquette Cool-Down as an exit ticket.
    - Collect their responses as they leave, providing a quick check for understanding.
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Slide Deck

Boss Your Inbox: Email Etiquette for Success!

Welcome to a quick guide on sending professional emails.

Why does it matter for YOU, right now?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of email etiquette. Ask them to think about how often they use email.

Why It Matters (More Than You Think!)

  • First Impressions: Your email is often the first interaction others have with you.
  • Clear Communication: Avoid misunderstandings.
  • Professionalism: Show you're serious and respectful.
  • Opportunities: From school projects to job offers, good emails open doors.
  • Saving Time: Clear emails get faster responses.

Explain why good email etiquette is relevant to them – school, college applications, future jobs. Emphasize that it's a skill that will benefit them throughout their lives.

1. The Subject Line: Your Email's Headline

DO:

  • Be clear and concise (e.g., "Question about Homework - Jane Doe").
  • Include key information (purpose, your name, course).

DON'T:

  • Leave it blank.
  • Use vague phrases (e.g., "Hey").
  • Use all caps or excessive emojis.

Introduce the idea of a clear subject line. Ask students for examples of good vs. bad subject lines.

2. The Greeting: Start Strong!

Formal (Teachers, Bosses):

  • "Dear Mr. Smith,"
  • "Hello Professor Lee,"
  • "Good morning Ms. Jones,"

Less Formal (Peers, known colleagues):

  • "Hi Alex,"
  • "Hello Team,"

DON'T:

  • "Hey!"
  • "Yo,"
  • "To Whom It May Concern" (unless absolutely necessary).

Discuss appropriate greetings. Ask students who they might email and how they'd address them.

3. The Body: Get to the Point (Respectfully!)

  • Be Clear: State your purpose directly.
  • Be Concise: Don't write a novel; get to the essential information.
  • Be Courteous: Use polite language ("Please," "Thank you," "I appreciate...").
  • Structure: Use short paragraphs for readability.
  • Action: Clearly state what you need or what you're asking for.

Focus on the body – getting to the point, politeness, and structure. Emphasize respect.

4. The Closing: Wrap It Up Right

Professional Closings:

  • "Sincerely,"
  • "Regards,"
  • "Thank you,"
  • "Best regards,"

Always Include:

  • Your Full Name
  • Your Class/Role (e.g., "Biology 101, Period 3")
  • Your Contact Info (optional, but good for professional emails)

Explain different closing options and the importance of a signature.

5. Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!

  • Check for Typos: Spelling and grammar errors make you look careless.
  • Read Aloud: This helps catch awkward phrasing.
  • Check Recipient: Are you sending it to the right person?
  • Attachments: Did you attach the file you mentioned?
  • Tone: Does it sound respectful and clear?

Stress the importance of proofreading. Ask students for tips on how they proofread their work.

Scenario Challenge!

Imagine you need to email your history teacher, Ms. Davies, to ask for an extension on a project because you were sick. What are three key things you'd remember about respectful email etiquette when writing this email?

Provide a simple scenario for students to consider and discuss applying the rules. This leads into the activity.

You've Got This!

Mastering email etiquette is a valuable skill that will serve you well in high school, college, and your future career. Keep practicing, and you'll be an email pro in no time!

Conclude by reiterating that good email habits are a valuable life skill.

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Email Etiquette: Boss Your Inbox! • Lenny Learning