Politely interrupting/asking questions

Activity Description: Type of activity:

• Whole class discussion
• Circle work
• Classroom setting

Procedure

1. Tell the students that today you are going to learn about how to ask adults for something at school. Ask the students how they usually ask a teacher or adult in the classroom for something. Usually, a student will raise his or her hand to ask a question or make a statement.
2. Now ask the students what they do if the teacher is busy or talking to someone. Elicit from the students what they think is appropriate and inappropriate. Now ask the students what they should do first if they really need to interrupt the teacher. Raise their hand first to get the teacher’s attention (if in the classroom) and say, “Excuse me.” If outside, then walk up to the teacher and say “Excuse me.” (Tell the students that you do not do this if it is an emergency such as a fire or you are in danger.) Write “1. Excuse me.” on the board.
3. Next, tell the students that if you need to ask a question you say, “May I . . .?” or “Could I . . .?” Write “2. May I . . .?” or “Could I . . .?” on the board. What are some polite questions that you ask the teacher using these questions? Elicit issues from the students when they might use these questions.
4. Now tell the students that sometimes you do not need to ask a question but need to tell the teacher or adult something important. What will you say? Elicit from the students what they will say after Excuse me. Remind them to be polite. Suggestions include “I/We need to . . .” or “I/we would like to . . .” Write 3. “I/We need to . . .” or “I/we would like to . . .” on the board.
5. Pass out the worksheet. Read the directions to the students and pair up students. Tell them to look at the pictures and to think about what they would say to the teacher or adult in order to interrupt him or her. Give 5 minutes and then discuss answers.
6. If necessary, talk about situations when there is an emergency and you do not follow the above steps.

Teaching Note: This lesson may be part of the introduction to school practices during the first week of school. The teacher may use this as a management approach and to integrate all new students into how to conduct themselves during the school day.
This lesson is role play, however, the teacher may allow the students to take notes if they want to but it is not required.

Vocabulary: To interrupt politely; to ask a question; reasons for interrupting (good reasons and bad reasons); to raise your hand; polite questions such as May I . . . ? and Could I . . . ?; to wait patiently; what is appropriate or inappropriate