After this module, students will be able to
1. Ask permission to engage in activities
2. Answer questions asking permission to engage in activities
3. Understand common questions used in the classroom
4. Respond to common questions used in the classroom
5. Understand common questions in the school environment
All students ask questions and have needs. Answering them is a teacher's job. One of the most common questions a teacher will receive in the classroom is whether a student can use facilities such as the restroom. Take this conversation between a student (a), and teacher (b).
Ex 1: a) (Teacher name), may I go to the restroom?
b) Yes, you may. Be back by 11:25 AM.
Many questions may arise in the classroom. Practice answering some of the questions posed by students (a), (b), and (c) below. Try answering in the affirmative as well as in the negative.
Ex 2: a) Ma'am, may I use your pen?
b) Can we go to the library?
c) May I sit next to my friend?
When answering questions in the negative, be sure to justify your reasoning so that the asker understands your point of view. By being honest with your students, coworkers, and higher-ups, they will be more likely to accept the answer.
Practice: Find a partner. Take turns repeating exercises 1 and 2 out loud by substituting your personal information in for the underlined parts.
Act out this situation with a partner.
Student (a) wants to ask if he can bring his pet to school. Teacher (b) carefully and kindly explains to (a) why this is not possible.
a: Mr. Malik, do you have time right now?
b: Yes, I do. What do you want to talk to me about, Anil?
a: I was wondering if I could bring my pet to school tomorrow?
b: Sorry, Anil, but we don't allow pets on school grounds. It can be unsafe for the pet as well as other students! What kind of pet do you have?
a: I have a lizard!
b: Oh, wow! Lizards are very cool. What is its name?
a: Its name is Halli.
b: Haha! That is a creative name, Anil. Is there any particular reason you want to bring Halli to school?
a: You see, my parents are going to be working late tomorrow, so Halli will go many hours without eating.
b: Ah, I understand. But Anil, did you know that lizards eat insects?
a: Yes, we feed Halli worms!
b: Exactly. And does your house have other insects?
a: We usually have a lot of fruit flies.
b: Great! So that means that even without being fed by you or your parents, Halli can find its own food. You don't have to worry.
a: Ok Mr. Malik, thank you!
b: No problem Anil, have a great day.
What did Anil ask Mr. Malik?
Did Anil ask Mr. Malik formally or informally?
How did Mr. Malik respond to Anil's request?
What justification did Mr. Malik give for his response?
Why did Anil ask what he did?
How did Mr. Malik convince Anil to leave Halli at home?
Do you believe Mr. Malik handled this request appropriately?
What would you say to a student who asked to go to the restroom during a test?
A. No, sit and finish your test and stop disturbing others.
B. Yes, go and come back.
C. You were supposed to go before class. Do you have to go right now, or can you hold it?
Correct answer: C. The most appropriate answer is C because it explains to the student what they should have done and asks if it is absolutely necessary.
After this module, students should be more familiar with how to ask and answer common questions regarding the school environment.