Welcome to Communication, where you are going to learn to be a more effective communicator both on electronic platforms and in person.

Day 1

1. Make sure that you have a personal email address. If you do not, sign up for one with a free site like Gmail.
2. Send a test email to a parent or sibling.

Day 2

1. We are also going to practice texting! Make sure you know how to send a text message. If you need help, ask a parent.
2. Send a test message to anyone in your contacts.

Day 3

1. Read about how to write a professional email.
2. Here is an example of a poorly written, unprofessional email from a student to their teacher.

Subject: hey

hi
i need u to fix my grade cuz i turned in the homework but u didnt put it in yet. can u do it today?? its kinda important and i need it like asap.
also when is the test again cuz i forgot lol
– j

3. Rewrite the email to sound more professional and send it to your parent or teacher. (Sign off as yourself, as opposed to “j.”) Make sure you include the following:

• Subject line
• Salutation
• Body
• Sign-off/Signature

4. Record up to 5 points for this assignment, one for correcting each component above and one for correctly sending the message.

Day 4

1. When we write emails, the words we choose create a “tone,” or the attitude our writing communicates. Tone affects how the reader interprets our message. Even if we don’t mean to sound rude, rushed, or confused, the tone of our writing can accidentally send the wrong signal. That’s why choosing the right tone is an important communication skill. There are several common tones used in email:

Formal Tone:
Used when writing to teachers, employers, or people you don’t know well. This tone is polite, respectful, and clear. It avoids slang, emojis, and abbreviations. Sentences are complete and organized.

Subject: Question About Tonight’s Homework Assignment

Dear Mrs. Lopez,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to ask for clarification about the math homework assigned today. I want to make sure I understand the instructions correctly before I complete it. Could you please confirm whether we are supposed to complete problems 1–20 or only the odd-numbered questions?

Thank you very much for your time and help.
Sincerely,
Jordan

Neutral/Professional Tone:
Used for everyday communication that doesn’t require extreme politeness but still needs to sound mature. This tone is friendly, direct, and practical. It is appropriate for most school- or work-related emails.

Subject: Clarification on Homework?

Hi Mrs. Lopez,
I had a quick question about the math homework from today. Are we supposed to do problems 1–20 or just the odd ones? I want to make sure I’m doing the right assignment.

Thanks!
Jordan

Informal Tone:
Used with close friends or people you know well. This tone may include casual language, abbreviations, emojis, or a relaxed style. Though informal tone is acceptable in personal communication, it is usually not appropriate for teachers or professional contacts. You are not required to use poor spelling and grammar to create an informal email, but it is acceptable and will not be penalized.

Subject: hey quick question

hey mrs lopez,
i kinda forgot what part of the hw we’re supposed to do lol is it 1–20 or just odds?
thanks!!
– jordan

Understanding tone helps you choose the right approach depending on who you are writing to, why you are writing, and how you want to be understood. A simple message, like asking a question or requesting help, can sound very different depending on the tone used. Practicing tone awareness ensures your message is received the way you intend.

2. Here is a sample email written in a neutral tone. Rewrite it twice, once in a more formal and one in a more informal tone. You do not need to send these emails today. Write them in a document one after the other. Have a parent or teacher evaluate your messages. Record up to 6 points, 3 for each message, if you successfully alter the tone.

Subject: Volunteer Schedule?

Hi Ms. Ramirez,
I wanted to double-check the volunteer schedule for this weekend’s community fair. Am I signed up for the Saturday morning shift or the afternoon shift? I want to make sure I arrive at the correct time.

Thanks,
Jordan

Day 5
1. Imagine your school was hosting a Spring Activities Fair, and you were interested in joining a new club. You decide to email the club advisor to ask a few questions before signing up. Write an email to the advisor of a club you’re interested in. Choose one of the following examples, or select your own:

• Art Club
• Chess Club
• Environmental Club
• Drama Club
• Robotics Club
• Student Leadership Council

Your email must:

1. Introduce yourself.
2. Explain your interest in the club.
3. Ask two questions (example: meeting times, requirements, events, or costs).
4. Use a clear subject line.
5. Use an appropriate tone for someone you don’t know well.

2. Write your email in a document, and record up to 5 points (for each of the required elements).

Day 6

1. Here’s another email assignment! Imagine a local business (you choose which one) has posted a flyer saying they are hiring part-time help. You want more information before applying. Write an email to the business asking for details about the job. Your email must include:

• A clear subject line
• A short introduction of who you are
• A sentence explaining why you’re emailing
• Two to three specific questions, such as: what are the job hours? Is prior experience required? How should I submit an application?
• A polite closing and your name
• A tone appropriate for a business contact (neutral or slightly formal)

2. Record up to 6 points for including the required elements.

Day 7

1. Today we have a trickier scenario for you. Imagine you are a member of the Decorations Committee for your school’s upcoming Community Celebration Night. Your group is responsible for setting up banners, table centerpieces, and photo booth decorations in the gym. During setup, you noticed a major issue: several of the boxes of decorations you were supposed to receive never arrived, and the supplies you do have are not enough to cover the gym and hallway areas as planned. You checked with two other committee members, and they confirmed they also never saw the missing boxes. The event is coming up soon, and your team cannot move forward until you know what to do next.
2. You need to write an email to Mrs. Daniels, the event coordinator, explaining the situation. In your email, you should:

• Describe what items are missing
• Explain how this affects your team’s progress
• Ask whether she can reorder the supplies, find alternatives, or provide guidance
• Include at least two specific questions you need answers to
• Write 2–3 paragraphs using a professional tone
• Include elements that should be in a professional email

3. Record up to 15 points for this email. 5 points are for proper formatting (subject, greeting, signature, etc) and 10 points are for properly writing multiple paragraphs of content. Have a parent or teacher evaluate this for you.

Day 8

1. Imagine your school hosted a Career Exploration Workshop last week. Students were invited to attend sessions led by local professionals. You participated in one of the sessions and found it helpful, but you also have a suggestion that could make the experience even better for future students. The workshop coordinator, Mr. Lee, has asked participants to email him with any feedback. Your task is to write an email to Mr. Lee that includes both positive feedback and one thoughtful suggestion for improvement.
2. Your email must include:

• Subject Line (Should clearly reflect the purpose)
• Professional Greeting
• Paragraph 1: Positive Feedback. Explain which session you attended, share what you learned or enjoyed, use specific details.
• Paragraph 2: Constructive Suggestion. Describe one aspect that could be improved and explain why this change would help students. Be polite and respectful
• A Closing and Your Name

3. Record up to 15 points for this email. 5 points are for proper formatting (subject, greeting, signature, etc) and 10 points are for properly writing multiple paragraphs of content. Have a parent or teacher evaluate this for you.

Day 9

1. Imagine you are part of a student group helping plan a school-wide charity walk. Several student volunteers are involved, and it’s important that everyone has the same information. You need to send an email to Riley, another volunteer, to confirm the details of your part of the event. You already spoke briefly in person, but you want to make sure there are no misunderstandings.
2. Your email must include the following six required components:

• A Subject Line with at least two details (example: “Confirming Meeting Spot & Supply List for Charity Walk”).
• A Brief Reminder of Who You Are (One sentence that explains your role or how Riley knows you.)
• A Clear Summary of the Plan: This should be a short paragraph that includes: the time you are meeting, the location, and each person’s task/responsibility.
• At Least One Clarifying Question (example: “Should we meet 15 minutes earlier to set up?” “Are you bringing the water table supplies or should I pick them up?”)
• A Request for Confirmation: Ask Riley to reply and confirm the details or suggest corrections.
• A Polite Closing and Your Name

3. Record up to 10 points for this assignment (1 for each required component, 4 for tone/grammar/execution). Have a parent or teacher evaluate this for you.

Day 10

1. Today, imagine you recently ordered something from a company (choose: clothing store, online electronics shop, pet supply store, sports equipment seller, etc.). When the package arrived, there was a problem with the order—one item was missing, damaged, incorrect, or not working properly. You need to write an email to the company’s Customer Support Department explaining the issue and requesting a solution. Because this involves money, shipping, and order numbers, your email must be clear, detailed, and professional.
2. Your email must include:

• Professional Subject Line with at least two details, such as: “Issue with Recent Order #18357 – Missing Item” or “Request for Replacement – Damaged Headphones in Shipment”
• Short Introduction Paragraph that includes who you are, what you ordered, when you placed the order, and why you are writing.
• Detailed Explanation of the Problem (5–7 sentences) Describe: what was wrong, how you discovered the issue, photos or evidence you could provide (describe them, don’t actually attach), and how this problem affects your ability to use the product.
• Clear Request for a Solution. Choose one of these or propose your own: replacement item, refund, store credit, or help troubleshooting a malfunction. You must explain why your solution is reasonable. Use a polite but firm tone. Show professionalism, respect, and confidence—but avoid sounding angry or rude.
• Closing Paragraph that includes: your contact information (email or phone number), a request for a reply, a polite sign-off, and your name.

3. Record up to 15 points for this assignment. Have a parent or teacher evaluate it for you.

Day 11

1. Read how to attach a file to an email.
2. Today you are going to send a real email to a parent or family member. Imagine your family is planning a weekend outing (you decide what kind—hiking, a museum trip, a sports event, a festival, etc.). Your parent asked you to gather information about the outing and send it to them in an email. You must choose one image to attach to the email. This could be a picture of the place you’re visiting, a map, event details, a photo you took, or anything relevant to the outing. Your email must include:

• Subject Line
• An attached image
• Greeting
• Body Paragraph(s) – 5–7 Sentences that provide a brief explanation of the outing, the date, time, and meeting place (you choose), a short description of the image you are attaching, any key details your parent should know (cost, weather, supplies needed, etc.), and a request for them to confirm the plan or ask questions.
• Polite Closing

3. Send the email with attachment.
4. Record up to 20 points for this assignment, 5 for correctly attaching a relevant image, 5 for correctly sending it, 5 for the body, and 5 for correctly including the other elements. Have a parent or teacher evaluate this for you.

Day 12

1. Imagine you recently signed up to help with a community pet adoption event. The volunteer coordinator, Ms. Garcia, has sent you an email asking for some information so she can finalize the volunteer schedule. You must read her email carefully and write an appropriate, professional reply.

Subject: Need Your Volunteer Info for the Adoption Event

Hi,
Thanks again for signing up to help with the community pet adoption event next Saturday. I’m finalizing the volunteer schedule and need a few things from you:

What time are you available to volunteer? (Morning, afternoon, or full day?)

Do you prefer helping with greeting visitors, walking dogs, or organizing supplies?

Could you confirm your emergency contact name and phone number?

Please reply by Thursday so I can finish organizing the volunteer teams.

Thanks!
Ms. Garcia
Volunteer Coordinator

2. Your task is to write a proper reply email. Your reply must include:

• A clear and appropriate subject line
• A respectful greeting
• At least one polite sentence acknowledging her message
• A well-organized response that includes all three pieces of information she asked for
• A closing line and your name

3. Record up to 15 points for this assignment, 2 for each element (since there are 3 questions to answer) and 1 bonus point for a correct, cohesive tone. Have a parent or adult evaluate this for you.

Day 13

1. Imagine your friend, Will, is organizing a Backyard Barbecue & Games Day, and he wrote an email to send out with the event details. He showed it to you and asked your opinion of it. What do you think? Your job is to edit the email so it becomes clear, organized, and appropriate to send to a group of neighbors. You should not change the meaning of the message, only the clarity and professionalism.

Subject: bbq or something idk 😂

hey neighbors soooo the backyard bbq/games thing is maybe on the 12 or maybe the 21st??? i gotta check w/ ppl lol. anyway bring whatever like chips or hotdogs or frisbees or ur pets?? (jk but maybe??)

also for games we’re doing like sack races and the egg thing but idk how many ppl or what time lol i guess everyone just shows up????

ok thats all i guess, see u there maybe or maybe not 😂
– will

2. Record up to 10 points for this assignment. Have a parent or adult evaluate it for you.

Day 14

1. Imagine your friend, Aiden, wants to sign up for a beginner photography workshop in your community. He tried to email the workshop instructor to ask questions — but his email has lots of issues. It’s unclear, unprofessional, and missing important details. Your job is to edit Liam’s email so it is clear, polite, organized, and appropriate to send to an instructor he has never met. You may keep his questions the same, but you must fix everything else.

Subject: hey i got questions about the camera class

hi so i wanna do the photo class thing but idk what kinda camera u need?? i have one but its kinda old maybe it works?? also like when is it anyway cuz i think my mom works that day so idk if i can even go lol 😬

also do u have snacks or should i bring my own? my friend might come too but he’s not sure maybe??

ok cool thx bye
– aiden

2. Record up to 10 points for this assignment. Have a parent or adult evaluate it for you.

Day 15

1. We’re taking a break from emails for a while! Read about how to send a text message. Just in case.
2. Today your assignment is to send a text message of your choice to someone in your contacts.

Day 16

1. Below are five text messages from different people. Each person has a different relationship to you, which affects how you should respond. Your task is to write the most appropriate reply to each message. Even though these are texts, some responses should use more formal language. Write your replies in a document on your computer.

Text Scenario #1: Coach

Hi, this is Coach Reynolds. I didn’t see you at practice today—are you planning to attend tomorrow?

Your Task:
Write a reply that is appropriate for a coach.

Text Scenario #2: Part-Time Job Manager

Hi, this is Maria from Green Street Café. Would you be able to stay an extra hour tonight?

Your Task:
Write a reply that sounds professional, clearly says yes or no, and includes a brief reason if you can’t.

Text Scenario #3: Community Volunteer Coordinator

Hello! This is Daniel with the River Cleanup Project. We’re short a few volunteers tomorrow afternoon. Are you available to help?

Your Task:
Write a reply that is polite, clearly states your availability (or lack thereof), and sounds dependable.

Text Scenario #4: Neighbor You Don’t Know Well

Hi, this is Sam from next door. Are you still available to watch our dog this Saturday?

Your Task:
Write a reply that is friendly but professional and confirms details (time, length, expectations).

Text Scenario #5: Group Member (Peer, But Needs Problem-Solving)

Hey, I thought you were bringing the supplies today. What’s up?

Your Task:
Write a reply that clarifies the misunderstanding, stays calm and respectful, and focuses on solving the issue.

2. Record up to 10 points for this task, 2 per message. Have a parent or adult evaluate these for you.