Welcome! Let’s Learn How to Speak Our Minds

In this lesson, we are going to learn how to tell others what we want and how to ask for help. We will also learn the polite ways to say "Yes" (accepting) or "No" (refusing). Being able to ask for what you need is a superpower that helps you make friends and get things done at school!

1. Telling People What You Want

When we want something, we can use simple sentences. In English, we always try to be polite so people feel happy to help us.

For Beginners (P.1 – P.3)

If you are just starting, use the word "want" and always add "please" at the end.

• "I want a pencil, please."
• "Milk, please." (This is a one-word sentence with a polite word!)
• "I want water."

For Older Students (P.4 – P.6)

When you get older, you can use more words like "need" or ask a question with "May I...?"

• I need: Use this when something is very important.
"I need a book."
• May I have: This is a very polite way to ask for something.
"May I have an apple, please?"

Quick Tip: Use "I want" for things you like, and "I need" for things you really require for your work or health!

2. Asking for Help

Sometimes, a task is too hard to do alone. It is okay to ask for help! Here is how you can do it:

Simple Requests

• "Please help me." (Simple and clear)
• "I need your help, please."

Asking with Can and Could (P.5 – P.6)

As you learn more, you can use these helpful questions:

• "Can you help me?"
• "Could you help me, please?" (This is even more polite!)

Did you know? Using a tone of voice that is soft and kind makes people want to help you more than using a loud or angry voice.

3. Accepting and Refusing Help

What if someone asks you for help? Or what if someone offers to help you? You need to know how to say "Yes" or "No" politely.

Accepting Help (Saying Yes)

If you want to say yes, you can say:
• "Yes, please."
• "Sure!"
• "Yes, of course."

Refusing Help (Saying No)

Sometimes you don't need help, or you are too busy to help someone else. It is important to be kind when you say no.
• "No, thank you." (When someone offers you something you don't want)
• "I am sorry, I can't." (When you are unable to help someone else)
• "No, thanks. I can do it."

4. Polite Manners and Gestures

In English culture, we use our bodies to help show what we mean. This is just as important as the words we say!

• Nodding your head: Move your head up and down to show acceptance (Yes).
• Shaking your head: Move your head side to side to show refusal (No).
• Smiling: A smile shows you are being friendly while asking or thanking someone.

Polite Phrases to Remember (P.6):

After someone helps you and you say "Thank you," they might say:
• "You're welcome."
• "That's all right."
• "Never mind." (This means "don't worry about it")

Summary Review

• To tell someone what you want, use "I want..." or "I need..."
• Always use the word "please" to be a polite student.
• To ask for help, say "Please help me" or "Can you help me?"
• To say yes, say "Yes, please" or "Sure."
• To say no, say "No, thank you" or "I am sorry."
• Use gestures like nodding or smiling to be even clearer!

Note: For more on how to greet people before asking for help, check the chapter "Greetings, introductions & polite expressions".