Answer the Phone Politely
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What you will learn
- 1Answer the phone only when your grown-up says it is okay
- 2Say hello and your first name clearly
- 3Take a message with the caller's name and number
- 4Keep your address and who is home private
Mini Lesson
Ring, ring! The phone is ringing. You can learn to answer it politely. First, ask your grown-up. Only answer if they say it is okay.
🏠 The Life Skills Way (step by step)
- ASK FIRST: answer only if your grown-up says it is okay.
- HELLO: say "Hello, this is" and your first name.
- SPEAK CLEARLY: talk slowly so the caller can hear you.
- GET YOUR GROWN-UP: say "Please hold on. I will get my grown-up."
- GOODBYE: say "Thank you, goodbye" before you hang up.
📝 Take a Message
- PENCIL READY: keep a pencil and paper by the phone.
- WRITE IT: write the name and phone number of the caller.
- GIVE IT: give the message to your grown-up.
Never tell a caller your address or who is home. Just say: "They can't come to the phone right now. Can I take a message?" If a call feels strange or scary, hang up and tell a grown-up right away.
Words to know
caller
The person who is calling on the phone.
e.g. The caller asked for my dad.
politely
In a kind way, with good manners.
e.g. I said hello politely.
hold on
Wait for a short time.
e.g. Please hold on. I will get my grown-up.
message
A note that tells someone who called.
e.g. I wrote a message for Mom.
hang up
End a phone call.
e.g. I said goodbye, then I hung up.
💡 Handy Tip: practice with a toy phone. A grown-up can pretend to call, and you answer.
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