Understanding Electronic Mails: A Primary 5 Computer Studies
Subject: Information Technology (IT)
Class: Primary 5
Term: Second Term
Week: Week 4 and 5
Topic: Understanding Electronic Mails
Sub-topic: How to Use Email
Duration: 40-60 minutes
Age: 10-12 years
Behavioural Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:
- Define email and its components.
- Explain how to create and send an email.
- Describe the menus and functions on an email interface.
Keywords:
- Email client
- Compose
- Subject
- Attachments
- Inbox
- Drafts
Set Induction:
To begin the lesson, the teacher can ask students if they have ever sent or received an email. This creates a connection to real-life experiences, making the lesson more engaging. The teacher can show examples of emails on a screen or through printed examples to illustrate how email works in daily communication.
Entry Behaviour:
Students should have basic knowledge of how to use a computer, browse the internet, and understand the concept of online communication. If the class is unfamiliar with email, this will be introduced as a new concept.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Computers or laptops (1 per student)
- Internet access
- Email client (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook)
- Projector/Smartboard (for demonstration)
- Printed handouts with email interface menus
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Students should already know how to use a computer and navigate the internet. They may also be familiar with social media or chat applications, where the concept of sending messages online is similar to email. The teacher will connect this prior knowledge to the topic of email.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Digital Literacy: Understanding and using email as a communication tool.
- Communication Skills: Expressing ideas clearly through email.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating the components of an email (e.g., subject, body, attachments).
Learning Materials:
- Computers or laptops with internet access.
- A projector or smartboard to demonstrate the lesson.
- Printed examples of email interfaces.
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work (for guidance on Information Technology for Primary 5)
- Online resources and tutorials from Google’s Gmail Help Center
- Educational guides on email safety for children
Instructional Materials:
- Email client software (Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.)
- Printed email interface examples
- Screen or projector to demonstrate the process
Content:
What is an Email?
- Email (electronic mail) is a method of exchanging messages via the internet.
- It involves sending and receiving messages through an email client (e.g., Gmail, Outlook).
- A basic email consists of:
- Sender: The person sending the message.
- Recipient: The person receiving the message.
- Subject Line: A brief summary of the email’s content.
- Message Body: The main content or text of the email.
- Attachments: Files or documents attached to the email for sharing.
How to Create an Email:
- Log in to your email account (e.g., Gmail).
- Click the Compose button to start a new email.
- In the To field, enter the recipient’s email address.
- In the Subject field, type a short description of the email’s purpose.
- Write the message in the body section.
- To attach files, click on the Attach button and choose a file from your computer.
- Click Send to send the email.
Menus on the Email Interface:
- File: New email, Save as draft, Print email.
- Edit: Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo/Redo.
- View: Change font size, layout, and email display settings.
- Insert: Insert images, links, or tables into the email.
- Format: Adjust text formatting (bold, italics, underline).
- Tools: Manage email filters, search emails, set rules.
- Help: Access support and help documentation.
Common email folders:
- Inbox: Where received emails are stored.
- Sent: Emails you have sent.
- Drafts: Emails you started but did not send.
- Trash: Deleted emails.
Evaluation (Fill-in-the-Blank Questions):
- The main function of an email client is to _________________.
a) Send and receive emails
b) Browse the internet
c) Play games
d) Write documents - The field where you enter the recipient’s email address is called the _________________.
a) To field
b) From field
c) Subject field
d) Body field - To attach a file to an email, click the ________________ button.
a) Insert
b) Attach
c) Save
d) Send - To change the font size of your email, go to the ________________ menu.
a) File
b) View
c) Edit
d) Format - The button used to start a new email is called ________________.
a) Compose
b) Edit
c) Draft
d) Send - The section where you write the main content of your email is called the ________________.
a) Body
b) Subject
c) Attachments
d) To field - To undo an action in an email, click on the ________________ button.
a) Undo
b) Redo
c) Copy
d) Save - To send an email, click on the ________________ button.
a) Send
b) Save
c) Delete
d) Forward - Where would you find the option to delete an email?
a) In the Trash
b) In the Drafts
c) In the Inbox
d) In the Sent folder - The option to reply to an email is usually found in the ________________ menu.
a) File
b) Edit
c) Tools
d) Reply
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs):
- What is the purpose of the subject line in an email?
- The subject line helps the recipient know what the email is about before opening it.
- How can you send an email to more than one person?
- You can enter multiple email addresses in the “To” field, separated by commas.
- What happens if you click “Send” by mistake?
- You cannot recall the email, but you can quickly send a follow-up email to clarify.
- Why is it important to check your spelling before sending an email?
- It makes your message clearer and more professional.
- What is an email attachment?
- It is a file or document you send along with your email, like a picture or a PDF.
- How do you know if you received an email?
- It will appear in your inbox.
- How do you reply to an email?
- Click on the “Reply” button and type your response in the body of the email.
- Can you delete an email once it is received?
- Yes, you can delete any email from your inbox.
- What is the “Drafts” folder?
- It holds emails you have started but haven’t sent yet.
- How do you know if an email is spam?
- Spam emails often come from unfamiliar senders and may contain suspicious links or offers.
- What should you do if you receive an email with a suspicious link?
- Do not click on the link. Report it as spam.
- What happens if you forget to attach a file to an email?
- Most email clients will notify you if you mentioned an attachment but forgot to attach it.
- How can you organize your emails?
- You can create folders or labels to sort your emails into categories.
- How do you check if an email was sent?
- Go to the “Sent” folder to see all emails you’ve sent.
- Can you schedule an email to be sent later?
- Some email clients have an option to schedule an email to send at a later time.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Revise the previous lesson about basic computer operations (e.g., opening applications).
- Introduce the new topic of emails, starting with what an email is and its components.
- Show how to create an email step-by-step using an email client like Gmail.
- Explain the menus and tools available on the email interface.
- Guide students as they practice composing and sending emails.
- Answer questions and correct any misconceptions during activities.
Learners’ Activities:
- Listen and ask questions during the introduction of the new topic.
- Practice creating and sending emails by composing one to the teacher.
- Discuss email interface functions during class activities.
- Complete the fill-in-the-blank quiz and participate in the FAQ discussion.
Assessment (Evaluation Questions):
- What is an email?
- How do you attach a file to an email?
- What is the purpose of the subject line in an email?
- Explain the difference between Inbox and Drafts folders.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points: email components, creating and sending emails, and the importance of clear communication in email.
- Emphasize safe email practices, such as not opening suspicious attachments.
- Assign students to practice sending an email to a classmate as homework.
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- Meta Description: Learn how to use email in this Primary 5 lesson plan. Students will understand the components of an email and how to send one. Detailed lesson notes included.
