Embedded Files
Email is a super important method of communication at school, especially with a block schedule.
You only see your teacher every other day, and email is an effective way to stay in touch if you have questions or need to miss a class.
One thing that drives me (Mrs. Inman) absolutely BONKERS is when students have poor email etiquette.
Imagine getting an email like this:
SUBJECT: Hi!
FROM: SoccerBaby22@gmail.com 8:06PM
I don't have the assignment.
Errrr....what? Who are you, SoccerBaby22? What assignment? What class? (I teach 3 different courses! And I haven't learned everyone's name yet!) And What precisely should I do about that?
Now look at this email--you'll see it's much better:
SUBJECT: English 9 Homework for Tuesday
FROM: River Smith 8:06PM
Hi, Mrs. Inman!
I had to leave school early today after eating a bad burrito in the cafeteria. That means I had to miss your class.
I see on the website that we are supposed to complete a handout on the reading from class, but I don't have the reading. Is there any way you can send it to me?
Thank you,
River
Let's take a look at what's AWESOME about this second email in particular:
SUBJECT: English 9 Homework for Tuesday [Clear, relevant subject!]
FROM: River Smith [Your name! this happens when you use your school email address! Always use your school email address!]
Hi, Mrs. Inman! [A greeting! Very civilized!]
I had to leave school early today after eating a bad burrito in the cafeteria. That means I had to miss your class. [Clear discussion of the situation at hand. Yes!]
I see on the website that we are supposed to complete a handout on the reading from class, but I don't have the reading. [1. Evidence that you have tried to solve your problem. 2. Clear explanation of the problem that remains.] Is there any way you can send it to me? [A clear and specific request! Of course I can help!]
Thank you, [A closing. Once again, civilized!]
Riv [Always nice to include your name as a sign off.]
So, to recap: when you email a teacher, please be sure to do all of the following:
1. Use your school email (if for some reason you cannot, include your name in the subject line).
2. Write a clear and relevant subject.
3. Begin with a greeting ("Dear Mrs. Inman" is a good standard. If you feel extra friendly, go for the "hi" or the "hello!" but avoid being too familiar ("Yo--SIN-MAN!") If you don't really know the person to whom you are writing, stick with "Dear Ms. _____" or "Dear Mr. _____".)
4. Explain the circumstances for sending the email.
5. If possible, include evidence that you have tried to solve your problem by accessing available resources.
6. State the problem clearly.
7. State a clear request for how your teacher might help.*
8. End with a closing ("Thank you" is always nice if you are asking for help. "See you next class" will also do nicely. "Peace Out" is probably pushing it.)
9. Sign your name.
*What if you are not emailing with a question or a problem but instead wish to offer some interesting or helpful information to your teacher? That's actually really cool. Replace 5-7 with whatever information you feel compelled to share. ("Hi, Mrs. Inman. I have discussed with my mother which day would be best to stay after school, and it looks like she can pick me up late on Thursday. Does that work for you? Your favorite student, Mark.")
ASSIGNMENT:
To immediately put this skill into practice, please do the following:
Send me an email (sinman@msad51.org) in which you:
1) Practice the tips above
2) Let me know either a) any questions you have about our class or about Greely High School in general, or b) tell me something you are looking forward to about high school.
BONUS: Tell me what book(s) you read this summer and if you recommend them
Page updated
Report abuse