Positive Texting Tips Handout

Use this handout to help you remember the do’s and don’ts of texting and group chats. Then complete the exercises below to practice!

Key Do’s when Texting and in Group Chats

• Use polite language and consider tone
  
  Example: “Hi, could you please send the notes?”
• Use emojis to show feelings 😃👍🏼
  
• Think before sending: re-read your message
• Be clear and concise in what you ask or share
• Respect people’s time; avoid texting too late at night

Key Don’ts when Texting and in Group Chats

• Writing in ALL CAPS (it feels like shouting)
• Using sarcasm or jokes without explanation
• Sending messages when you’re angry or upset
• Ignoring someone’s message or leaving them on read
• Forwarding private chats without permission

Exercise 1: Do’s or Don’ts?

Read each message. Write Do if it follows a good texting tip or Don’t if it breaks a tip.

1. “Hey, can you help me with our science project? 😊”
   Answer: ________
   
   
   
2. “WHY ARE YOU SO SLOW?!”
   Answer: ________
   
   
   
3. “Good morning! Just checking if you got my email.”
   Answer: ________
   
   
   

Exercise 2: Rewrite It

Below are examples of “Don’t” messages. Rewrite each one into a polite, respectful “Do” message.

1. “SEND ME THE NOTES NOW.”
   Your rewrite:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. “U R LATE AGAIN.”
   Your rewrite:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Exercise 3: Personal Action Plan

List three do’s you will remember when texting:

1. ___________________________
   2. ___________________________
   3. ___________________________
   
   
   
   
   

Exercise 4: Emoji Power

Explain how adding an emoji can change the tone of a text. Then write an example showing a message without an emoji and with an emoji:

Explanation:

Without Emoji: ____________________________
With Emoji: ____________________________

Etiquette Scenario Cards

Use these scenario cards to practice texting in small groups. Read your card and role-play the conversation twice:

1. Negative example (show what not to do)
2. Positive example (apply the do’s and don’ts)

Card 1: Running Late
Your group’s video call for the science project starts in 5 minutes. You’re still at home finishing breakfast. You text:

“BRB. BE THERE IN 5.”

Tasks:

• Negative: Act out how the group feels when you send this message.
• Positive: Rewrite and role-play a clearer, kinder text.

Card 2: Misinterpreted Sarcasm
A friend asks if you finished the math homework. You respond:

“Nice. Another super-fun assignment. 🙄”

Tasks:

• Negative: Show the confusion or hurt feelings.
• Positive: Rewrite and role-play a straightforward, polite reply.

Card 3: Left on Read
You send a private text asking for study notes but don’t get a response for hours. You text again:

“Why won’t you answer me?”

Tasks:

• Negative: Act out how the second text might feel pushy.
• Positive: Craft and role-play a respectful follow-up message.

Card 4: Late-Night Group Chat
It’s 11:30 PM and a classmate asks everyone for help on a project. You text back:

“Ugh, work this late?!”

Tasks:

• Negative: Show how this could offend classmates.
• Positive: Rewrite and role-play a polite excuse or question.

Card 5: Angry Response
Someone in your group misses a deadline. You get frustrated and text:

“You always do this!!!”

Tasks:

• Negative: Show tension rising.
• Positive: Rewrite and role-play a calm, solution-focused message.

Card 6: Sharing Private Info
A friend confides in you via text. You forward the message to another friend without asking.

Tasks:

• Negative: Role-play the reaction when the first friend finds out.
• Positive: Show how to ask permission before sharing private messages.

After your role-plays, discuss with the class:

• Which wording changes made the biggest difference?
• How did tone or emojis help clarify meaning?
• What will you remember next time you text?

Texting Smart Script

Materials & Prep

• Positive Texting Tips Handout
• Etiquette Scenario Cards
• Group Chat Role-Play Scripts
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector or Smartboard

Before class, write three column headers on the board: Tone, Clarity, Respect.

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Teacher (smiling, energetic): “Good morning, friends! Today we’re talking about a skill you all use every day—texting. Texting and group chats help us share ideas, make plans, and stay connected. But sometimes messages get mixed up or hurt feelings pop up.

Teacher (gesturing to the board): “Let’s brainstorm: What makes a good text message? Think about the three words on the board: tone, clarity, and respect. Turn and talk with your neighbor for 30 seconds, then we’ll share.”

Wait 30 seconds for think-pair-share.

Teacher: “Who would like to share one idea about tone?”
Call on a student, write response under Tone.
Teacher: “Great! Now, what about clarity?”
Call on a student, write under Clarity.
Teacher: “Finally, how do we show respect when we text?”
Call on a student, write under Respect.

Teacher (nodding): “Awesome work! You’ve named important parts of a good text.”

2. Dos and Don’ts Discussion (8 minutes)

Teacher (handing out handouts): “I’m passing out our Positive Texting Tips Handout. These are our do’s and don’ts. Let’s read through the dos first.”

Teacher (pointing to DO’s on screen/handout): “Do use polite language and think before you hit send. For example, ‘Hi, could you please send the notes?’ That’s clear and kind. Why do you think thinking before sending is important?”
Wait, call on 1–2 students.

Teacher: “Right—so we avoid sending something by mistake or when we’re upset. Now let’s look at the don’ts.”

Teacher (pointing to DON’Ts): “Don’t write in ALL CAPS—it feels like shouting. Can someone show me how a message in all caps might sound?”
Invite student to read a sample.

Teacher: “Exactly—it can hurt feelings. Don’t use sarcasm without context, and avoid texting when you’re angry or too late at night. Who can share a time when they got a text that made them feel upset?”
Call on a volunteer.

Teacher: “Thank you for sharing. Remember, a quick check—‘Does this sound clear? Kind? Respectful?’—will help you every time.”

3. Scenario Role-Play (10 minutes)

Teacher: “Now let’s practice! Join your groups of three or four. Each group picks one Etiquette Scenario Card and uses the Group Chat Role-Play Scripts.”

Teacher (projecting steps):

1. Read your scenario card aloud.
2. Act out the negative version first—show what not to do.
3. Then re-write or re-read a positive version—show the do’s in action.
4. Be ready to share your favorite moment.

Teacher (circulating): “Remember to speak clearly, use polite words, and think about how your friends feel. Have fun showing both versions!”

Circulate and offer gentle prompts:

• “How could you make that sound kinder?”
• “What emoji might help here?”
• “Is there a clearer way to say that?”

After 6–7 minutes give a 1-minute warning for groups to wrap up.

4. Reflection and Share (7 minutes)

Teacher: “Let’s come back together. I want each group to share one highlight: maybe a wording change or a friendly emoji that made a big difference.”

Teacher (calling on groups in order): “Group 1, what did you learn?”
Group shares.
Teacher: “Thank you! Group 2?”
Continue until each group shares briefly.

Teacher: “Notice how small changes in tone or word choice can change the entire feeling of a text. Now grab an exit ticket or a blank sheet. Finish this sentence: ‘I will ______ when texting.’”

Teacher (after students write): “Turn in your tickets as you leave. I can’t wait to see your goals!”

5. Closing (1 minute)

Teacher (smiling): “Great job today, everyone! Remember to think before you text: keep it clear, kind, and respectful. You’re all on your way to being texting pros and amazing digital citizens. See you tomorrow!”

Group Chat Roleplay Scripts

Use this template to plan and script your texting skit. Pair it with an Etiquette Scenario Card. Fill in the exact messages you will send for both the negative and positive versions of the conversation.

Scenario: (Write the title or brief description of your scenario here.)

1. Negative Version (What NOT to do)

Show how a conversation might go when you ignore the do’s and don’ts.

You:




Friend 1:




Friend 2:




Add more roles or lines if needed.

2. Positive Version (Apply the Do’s)

Rewrite the same conversation using polite language, clear wording, and respectful tone. Add emojis if they help.

You:




Friend 1:




Friend 2:




Feel free to add more friends or extra lines.

Tips as you write:

• Check: Is your message clear? Kind? Respectful?
• Use emojis to show tone (😊👍🏼)
• Keep texts concise and re-read before sending.

When your group is ready, practice both versions aloud and choose one highlight to share during the Reflection step.