PL 3.13Using the Telephone

1. 1

   Gather a small group. Give a partner one phone; sit across the room with the other.

2. 2

   Say: 'Ring, ring.' Pick up the phone and say: 'Hello, this is the Maple Room. Ms. Lee speaking.'

3. 3

   The partner asks for another person. Say: 'Just a moment, please.' Set the phone down gently, walk to that person, and say quietly: 'The phone is for you.'

4. 4

   Show taking a message: the partner asks for someone who is not here. Say: 'May I take a message?' Repeat the message back and draw or write it on the pad.

5. 5

   Show making a call: hold the phone, wait for an answer, and say: 'Hello, this is Sam. May I please talk to Grandma?'

6. 6

   End each call with 'Goodbye' and set the phone down gently.

7. 7

   Invite children in pairs to practice answering, calling someone to the phone, and taking a message.

What catches the child’s eye

• The pretend ring and the first "Hello"
• Repeating the message back to check it

Extensions, easiest to hardest

1. Deliver a message to the right person later in the morning
2. Learn a parent's phone number
3. Learn when and how to call 911, and that it is only for real emergencies