Polite Words Matter

Overview

This 20-minute engaging ELA lesson for 2nd graders uses Richard Scarry’s Please and Thank You to teach the importance of polite language. Activities include listening, interactive discussions, a hands-on crafting task, and a worksheet to reinforce vocabulary and social-emotional learning aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Common Core Standards Addressed

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3
Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1
Participate in collaborative conversations with peers about grade 2 topics and texts with appropriate turn-taking and active listening.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.6
Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Identify and explain the polite words “please” and “thank you.”
Describe situations where polite words are used in the story.
Demonstrate proper usage of “please” and “thank you” in their own speech.
Complete a simple worksheet reinforcing polite expressions and social skills.

Materials Needed

Please and Thank You by Richard Scarry
Chart paper or whiteboard and marker
“Polite Words” crafting template (cut-outs of speech bubbles and thank you cards)
Crayons or markers
Printed Activity Sheet (see activity details below)

Lesson Timeline

1. Warm-Up & Introduction (4 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge about polite words.
Briefly ask students: “What are some words we say to be polite?” (Encourage volunteers to name words like “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me.”)
Introduce the book Please and Thank You. Explain that today they will learn more about why these words matter.

2. Read-Aloud & Discussion (7 minutes)

Objective: Comprehend key details and characters' responses (CCSS.RL.2.1, RL.2.3).
Read Please and Thank You aloud with animated voice and pauses for questions.
After reading, ask:
- “Who says ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in the story?”
- “Why do they say these words?”
- “How do the characters feel when they hear these polite words?” (Prompt empathy and understanding)
Chart students’ answers on the board under “Polite Words We Use.”

3. Hands-On Crafting Activity (6 minutes)

Objective: Practice using polite language creatively (CCSS.L.2.6).
Provide each student with a “speech bubble” template and crayons.
Prompt students to write or trace the word “Please” on one side and “Thank You” on the other, decorating as they wish.
In pairs, students will take turns using their bubbles to say a polite phrase to their partner (e.g., “Please share your crayon,” “Thank you for helping me.”)

4. Activity Sheet & Wrap-Up (3 minutes)

Objective: Assess understanding of key polite words and social context.
Distribute the activity sheet:
- Part 1: Circle the words “please” and “thank you” from a mixed list.
- Part 2: Draw a picture of a time they used polite words.
Read instructions aloud and allow students to complete.
Quickly review answers aloud to reinforce learning.

Assessment

Informal observation during discussion and paired activity to assess understanding and proper use of polite words.
Completed activity sheets checked for correctness and creativity.

Teacher Tips

Encourage positive reinforcement for polite language use throughout the day to reinforce the lesson’s social skills.
Adapt speech bubble crafting to include other polite phrases as extension (e.g., “Excuse me,” “You’re welcome”).
Use chart of “Polite Words We Use” as a daily classroom reminder.

This lesson gives students a culturally and developmentally appropriate introduction to key social language skills through a beloved picture book, meeting both literacy and social-emotional learning goals per Common Core standards in a lively, interactive format.

Teaching Instructions