Using Polite Requests in Paired Problem Solving for Primary 1

Class: Primary One
Term: Third Term
Week: 8
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: English Studies
Curriculum Theme: Listening and Speaking
Focal competence: Making polite requests
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Respect; Tolerance; Communication; Critical Thinking; Responsibility
Skills:

• Communicating politely

Previous Lesson: Predicting, connecting and drawing a simple conclusion in Comprehension
Topic: Making Polite Requests
Subject Matter: Making Polite Requests, Using polite language during paired problem solving

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify polite request expressions like “please,” “may I,” “can I,” and “excuse me.”
• State how to change an impolite command into a polite request.

Affective Domain

• Show respect and consideration for others during oral interaction.
• Appreciate the importance of using polite language.

Psychomotor Domain

• Make a polite request appropriately in a familiar situation.
• Make requests clearly and respectfully using appropriate words and tone.

Social Domain

• Engage in a two-person dialogue using request and response forms.
• Collaborate effectively with a partner during problem-solving activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Macmillan Primary English for Primary 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Approved publisher-neutral text
• Letter, word and picture cards
• Exercise books and pencils
• Pupils’ textbooks
• Flashcards with polite phrases

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it teaches pupils essential social skills for respectful communication. Learning to make polite requests helps children interact positively with others, resolve minor issues, and build good relationships. It also fosters an environment of mutual respect and understanding in the classroom and beyond.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of simple sentence construction and common greetings.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Making Polite Requests

What are Polite Requests?

Polite requests are gentle ways of asking for something or asking someone to do something. They show good manners and respect for others.

Words for Polite Requests

When we make polite requests, we use special words. Some of these words are:

1. Please: Used when asking for something.
2. May I: Used when asking for permission.
3. Can I: Also used when asking for permission or help.
4. Excuse me: Used to get someone’s attention or to apologise for interrupting.

How to Make a Polite Request

To make a polite request, we use polite words and a kind voice. For example:

1. “Please, may I borrow your pencil?”
2. “Can I help you carry that book?”
3. “Excuse me, please, can you show me the way?”

Responding to Polite Requests

When someone makes a polite request to you, it is polite to respond kindly. You can say:

1. “Yes, you may.”
2. “Certainly.”
3. “Of course.”
4. “Here you are.”

Changing Impolite Commands to Polite Requests

An impolite command tells someone what to do without being gentle. We can change it to a polite request by adding polite words.

Examples:

1. Impolite: “Give me the book!”
2. Polite: “Please, may I have the book?” or “Can you please give me the book?”
3. Impolite: “Sit down!”
4. Polite: “Please, sit down.” or “Would you please sit down?”

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Role-play, Pair Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elicitation/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them about good manners and why it is important to be polite to others. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Making Polite Requests.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions about good manners and listen attentively to the introduction of the topic.

Learning Point: Importance of good manners.

Step 2: Introducing Polite Requests

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what polite requests are, giving simple examples from the classroom, like asking for a pencil or permission to go out. The teacher uses picture cards to illustrate situations.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and observe the picture cards, trying to understand the concept of polite requests.

Learning Point: Meaning of polite requests.

Step 3: Polite Words

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Vocabulary Introduction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces key polite words: “please,” “may I,” “can I,” and “excuse me” using word cards. The teacher pronounces each word clearly and has pupils repeat them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils repeat the polite words after the teacher and try to understand their usage.

Learning Point: Key polite words.

Step 4: Modelling Polite Requests

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Role-play

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher models various polite requests and appropriate responses. For example, “Please, may I use your crayon?” and “Yes, you may.” The teacher demonstrates the correct tone of voice.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstrations, paying attention to the words and tone used.

Learning Point: Correct request and response.

Step 5: Paired Practice

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Pair Work

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher organises pupils into pairs. The teacher gives simple problem-solving scenarios (e.g., “You need a ruler, your partner has one.”) and guides them to practice making polite requests and responses orally.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice making and responding to polite requests in pairs, using the words and tone modelled by the teacher.

Learning Point: Paired request practice.

Step 6: Changing Impolite Commands

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Application/Transformation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes a few impolite commands on the board (e.g., “Give me your book!”) and guides pupils to change them into polite requests by adding polite words.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in changing impolite commands into polite requests, suggesting polite words to use.

Learning Point: Polite command transformation.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Mention two polite words you can use when asking for something.
2. Give an example of a polite request.
3. How should you respond when someone makes a polite request to you?
4. Change this command into a polite request: “Stand up!”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding polite requests.

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on making polite requests into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes.

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reminds pupils to always use polite words and a kind tone when speaking to others, both in school and at home. The teacher praises their participation.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the importance of using polite language.

Learning Point: Reinforcing polite communication.

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Write two polite requests you can use at home and two you can use in school.

1. ___________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________

Lesson Keywords

• Polite – Showing good manners and respect.
• Request – Asking for something in a gentle way.
• Please – A polite word used when asking.
• May I – A polite way to ask for permission.
• Excuse me – Used to get attention or apologise.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide more direct modelling and guided repetition of simple polite phrases. Use picture cards extensively to aid understanding. Focus on mastering “please” and “may I.”

For faster learners: Encourage them to create longer dialogues involving polite requests and responses. Challenge them to think of more complex scenarios where polite requests are needed, or to role-play a short skit.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: polite requests for kids primary 1 english

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have your word and picture cards ready, especially those illustrating polite phrases and situations requiring requests. Begin by engaging pupils in a discussion about good manners to set the stage for polite communication. Model each polite expression and its appropriate tone clearly, as pupils at this age learn best by imitation. Provide ample opportunities for paired practice, moving around the classroom to offer support and correct errors. Guide pupils to understand how impolite commands can be transformed into polite requests. During the note-taking step (Step 8), ensure pupils copy the Board Summary accurately. Regularly check for understanding throughout the lesson by asking questions and observing their interactions. Encourage continuous use of polite language in the classroom to reinforce learning.