Texting Rules
Should you text someone at midnight?
No, most people are sleeping at this time. If their phone is not on silent, the text message may wake someone up/disrupt their sleep.
You just got your birthday present from your grandparents. It is the new video game you have been wanting. You can’t wait to play it and want to tell your friends.
Practice texting grandparents about this by either: "texting" on teams chat, texting mom's phone.
Correct if you include: thanking grandparents, being specific (for what?)
Ewwww look at our teachers sweater. SO ugly.
Think it!
WHO is going to be there.
Why is it important that everyone invited to a get-together know in advance WHO is going to be there?
Certain people may not get along, want to be near each other.
Avoids surprises.
About how many texts should you send before waiting for a response?
About 2 (will accept anything between 1-3)
It’s summer vacation and your mom said you can have a pool party. You are not sure who is around to come over. How can you find out who wants to come?
Correct ex: Hey! Are you free this weekend for a pool party?
Bonus points: how do you know how many people to invite (answer: Ask your mom!)
Your shoes are SO CUTE! Where did you get them?
Text it!
WHAT you're going to do.
Why is it important to figure out WHAT you're going to do?
more fun and easier to plan, limits people getting bored.
identify common interests.
T/F: You don't have to share the conversation when you are texting
FALSE! a text conversation is still an exchange between two people. Wait for a response, answer with a comment/ask a question.
You heard that a kid in school (Bobby) was going to fight with your friend over a comment he made. You are nervous about it and want to warn your friend.
Correct example: Hey I heard Bobby say he wanted to fight you.
AND THEN GO TELL AN ADULT
You've got a piece of food on your shirt
Text it! But in a polite tone!
WHERE you're going to get together.
Why is important to figure out WHERE the get together is going to be?
It may never happen, if no one knows where to go.
If someone says something very mean over text messages, it is NOT bullying because only you can see it
FALSE!! Talk to a trusted adult to decide next steps.
It’s Halloween week and you really DO NOT want to go out Trick or Treating with friends. You don’t enjoy Halloween. People are starting to ask you via text, if you are going. How can you respond?
Correct examples may include a white lie: Sorry I can't go, I have to help my mom pass out candy.
You receive a video game that you already have but you say "thank you" anyway.
Text it! It's polite to acknowledge a gift, they give it to you with good intentions.
WHEN you're going to get together.
Why is it important to figure out WHEN it's going to happen?
if you don't decide in advance, your schedules may become full, and the get together will never take place.
What is the earliest and latest you can text someone? Is it different when you are texting your family?
All approximations are accepted- generally, no earlier than 9AM and no later than 8/9PM
** Bonus points: rules may differ with family
You find out that your best friend cant come to your birthday party because her dog is sick. You are SUPER sad. How can you respond via text? Practice and type it out!
Correct example: Hey, I'm so sorry your dog is sick. I hope he gets better and we can hang out again soon!
I think you have a booger in your nose
TRICK QUESTION!
Think it- if its a stranger or acquaintance (or even new friend)
TEXT IT- if its a family member or close friend
HOW the get together is going to happen.
This may be required if extra steps are needed to plan an activity. Who is going to drive? Does someone need a ride? Do we need to get tickets? Do we need reseravations?
Who can we ask for help?
A parent