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      Choosing how to message

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can choose the most suitable way of sending a message based on why I am sending it.

      Key learning points

      1. The most appropriate way to send a message can be different each time.
      2. The way we choose to send a message depends on who is receiving it.
      3. The way a message is sent can change its meaning.

      Keywords

      • Audience - the group of people something is designed for

      • Suitable - right for the situation

      Common misconception

      There is only one correct way to send a message.

      Different messages need to be sent in different ways, depending on the situation and the person receiving the message.

      Teacher tip

      Use familiar classroom situations to help pupils decide how to send messages.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is a message?

      Correct answer: a spoken sentence
      a mobile phone
      a chair

      Q2.
      Which of these is a digital message?

      talking to a friend
      a note on paper
      Correct answer: a message sent on a phone

      Q3.
      Which message could be seen later?

      talking to a teacher
      shouting across the room
      Correct answer: a note left on a desk

      Q4.
      Which message might use pictures instead of words?

      “Please wait” written on a piece of paper
      Correct answer: a toilet sign
      talking to a friend
      a message typed on a phone

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which sentence is correct?

      There is only one correct way to send a message.
      Messages should always be sent in the same way.
      Correct answer: The most suitable way to send a message can change.
      Messages should only be sent digitally.

      Q2.
      The person a message is for is called the ...

      Correct answer: audience
      device
      message

      Q3.
      Which is the most suitable way to ask a teacher for help in class?

      writing a note
      Correct answer: talking to them
      drawing a picture

      Q4.
      Why might the same message need to be sent in different ways?

      because messages disappear
      because messages must be short
      because digital messages are better
      Correct answer: because the audience or situation may change

      To help you plan your 1 digital literacy lesson on: Choosing how to message, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...