Email Tips for Elementary Students

It is fun to email friends. It is quick, easy, and not as formal as writing a letter. It is still important to remember good manners when you are using e-mail. Here are some suggestions for net etiquette.

1. Be nice and polite and never be rude. You are not writing an e-mail to a computer, you are writing to a person who has feelings just like you.

2. Include a greeting. You do not have to say “dear,” but address the person you are talking to by the name that you would usually call them.

3. Make your e-mail messages short and to the point. Only include details that are important, this will make your e-mails clearer and easier to understand.

4. DO NOT TYPE IN CAPITAL LETTERS. This makes it look like you are shouting.

5. Remember that the person you are writing cannot hear or see your expression. Do not joke or tease in e-mails because they might misunderstand and think you are being mean.

6. If you want to show you are happy or joking, use a smiley faceJ. A sad face L, can show you are unhappy or sorry.

7. Remember that e-mails are not private and you should not include personal information. Someone could forward what you have written, so never include something that could put you in an embarrassing position.

8. Again, never send anyone a rude or mean message. If you receive a mean or nasty message, let your parents or a teacher know.

9. Always let the people you are emailing know who you are. Always include your name at the bottom of your email and it is a good idea to include it in the subject line.

10. Including a subject in the subject field is a good idea. Instead of just saying “hi,” let them know why you are e-mailing.

11. It is ok if your messages do not have perfect grammar or spelling. It is a good idea to use Spell Check though, so that your messages will be easier to read and understand.

12. Think before you forward a message that might upset someone else. Never forward chain letters, virus warnings, or spam mail.