Introduction to Email

Lesson objectives

By the end of the week, learners should be able to:

1. Name the four parts of an email message.
2. Address the recipient correctly and state the purpose in the subject.
3. Compose a short message with a greeting, body and sign-off.
4. Reply to an email and reference the original message.
5. Explain why schools teach email before other messaging apps.

Key vocabulary

• Email: text messaging delivered through a server.
• Message parts: recipient, subject, body and signature.
• Subject: a short line describing the email's purpose.
• Greeting: the opening line addressed to the recipient.
• Sign-off: the closing line, such as Regards.
• Reply: replying to an existing email chain.
• Reference: quoting the original message in a reply.
• Messaging app: software like WhatsApp for instant messaging.

Common misconceptions

• "Email has no greeting or sign-off." Professional emails always include both.
• "The subject line can be left blank." A subject line helps recipients decide whether to open the message.
• "Reply and send are the same." A reply goes to an existing chain; a send creates a new message.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: hold up two emails, one complete and one missing parts; ask which a teacher prefers reading.
2. Name the four email parts one by one and model a short message.
3. Compose a message with greeting, body and sign-off on the board.
4. Demonstrate replying to an email and referencing the original message.
5. Compare email with a messaging app on formality and delivery.
6. Close with the composition task and exit question about email structure.

Student activities

1. Pick the preferred email from the starter and explain the reason.
2. Name the four email parts in their own words.
3. Compose a short message with greeting, body and sign-off.
4. Reply to an email and reference the original message in the body.
5. Compare email with a messaging app on formality and delivery.
6. Answer the exit question in one sentence about why schools teach email structure.

Practical / learning evidence

A composed email with all four parts, a reply with referenced original, and a brief formality comparison. Submit both the composed email and the reply for marking.

Resources and preparation

Computers with an email client, blank compose windows and sample email pairs. Offline route: paper drafts, no device needed. Keep a sample email pair on the projector during demonstration.

Assessment for learning

Inspect the composed email for all four parts present and well formed. Check the reply for proper referencing. Mark the comparison for sensible formality and delivery notes. Flag any learner who omits the sign-off.

Inclusion and homework

Provide the email template with placeholder lines for learners who need scaffolding. Allow oral completion of the comparison. Extend confident learners with three parts, a CC line and an attachment field. Homework: find one professional email you receive and describe the four parts.