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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain that people do not always see messages at the same time.

Key learning points

  1. Some messages are sent and seen at the same time.
  2. Some messages are sent and seen later.
  3. Technology allows messages to be sent and seen at different times.

Keywords

  • Now - happening straight away

  • Later - happening after some time

Common misconception

Messages should always be replied to straight away.

Some messages are replied to later because the other person might not see them straight away.

Teacher tip

Use simple classroom examples to show that some messages are seen straight away while others are seen later, without focusing on replying or behaviour.

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

5 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a way people send messages?

sleeping
Correct answer: talking
standing still
sitting quietly

Q2.
Which of these ways of sending a message uses a digital device?

drawing on paper
writing with a pencil
Correct answer: sending a message on a phone
talking face to face

Q3.
Which of these is a digital message?

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

Q4.
You want to send a message that can be seen when you are not there. Which of the following could you do?

talk to someone next to you
shout across the room
say someone’s name
Correct answer: leave a note

Q5.
Put these steps for sending a digital message in the order they usually happen.

1 - The message is written.
2 - The message is sent.
3 - The message is seen.

5 Questions

Q1.
Which sentence is correct?

Correct answer: Messages can be seen at different times.
Messages are always seen straight away.
Messages are always seen later.
Messages disappear if you don't reply to them.

Q2.
Which message is most likely to be seen or heard straight away?

a letter in the post
a note left on a desk
Correct answer: talking to someone next to you
an email

Q3.
Which digital message is often seen later?

a quick text when both people are using devices
a voice message heard straight away
a spoken message
Correct answer: an email

Q4.
In which of these situations would the message be seen later?

talking to someone next to you
Correct answer: sending a message when the other person's device is off
asking a question in class
speaking face to face

Q5.
You send a message and it is not seen straight away. What is the best explanation?

The message is wrong.
Messages must always be seen immediately.
Correct answer: The other person might not be using their device.
The message has disappeared.

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