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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...