Appreciating Others
What this chapter covers
- I can say the right thing to someone who is celebrating, sitting an examination, ill or grieving (2.1)
- I can give and explain ways to show appreciation, such as gifts, flowers, offering help and saying thank you (2.2)
- I can read an article about appreciation, find key details and work out word meanings from the text (2.3)
- I can write a short, polite thank-you message for a card or an e-card (2.4)
- I can tell abstract nouns (ideas and feelings) from concrete nouns (things I can see, hear, smell, taste or touch) and use both in sentences (2.5)
- I can recite a poem with rhyme and actions and find rhyming words (2.6)
Unit 2 is about appreciating others: saying the right words when something happens in someone's life, showing thanks in kind ways, reading about being grateful, writing thank-you messages, and learning the difference between abstract and concrete nouns.
2.1Saying the right thing (pp. 12-13)
We choose our words to match the situation. The unit gives four situations:
| Situation | What we can say |
|---|---|
| Someone is sitting for an examination | Good luck. Work hard and believe in yourself. All the best! |
| Someone is celebrating a birthday | Hope you have a wonderful birthday filled with love and fun. Happy birthday! |
| Someone is sick | Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. Get well soon. We hope you have a speedy recovery. |
| A family member has passed away | We are sad to hear of your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences. |
English Year 6 SK, p. 12 (summary in my own words).
Practise in the book: what would you say to someone who has passed an examination with flying colours, has just had an operation, is in a storytelling competition, or has lost a beloved pet? Match the tone: cheerful for good news, gentle for sad news.
"I was absent because my brother fell and broke his arm."
"I hope he will recover soon."
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2.2Ways to show appreciation (p. 13)
English Year 6 SK, p. 13.
- Gifts: buy something from a shop.
- Flowers: present a flower or a bouquet.
- Offer help: do chores, or assist others (for example, carry exercise books to the classroom for the teacher).
- Express gratitude: say thank you.
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2.3Reading: Be Appreciative (pp. 14-15)
The online article is about Mira, a nine-year-old who is not grateful. Her mother, Hasnah, gives her everything she never had as a child, but this has backfired (gone wrong): Mira wants a branded smartphone and only the most expensive things.
A child therapist, Dr Azwan, gives advice:
- Before bed, list the things you are most grateful for that day.
- Learn to be thankful: thank parents, friends, the postman or the bus driver.
- Be thankful for little things: food, clothes and shelter (the basic necessities).
Parents help by encouraging children to read stories with good values and watch inspiring movies.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| backfired | gone wrong (the opposite of what was hoped) |
| shelter | a roof over your head, a place to live |
| thoughtful | considerate, caring about others |
| indulge | to satisfy a particular interest, such as a hobby |
| confidence | belief in your own ability |
| attributes | qualities |
| pride | a feeling of satisfaction when you have done something well |
English Year 6 SK, pp. 14-15.
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2.4Writing: cards and e-cards (pp. 16-17)
A personalised card carries your own message, for example for Father's Day or Friendship Day. An e-card is a digital greeting card sent through email: it is quick to send, easy to create and kind to the environment.
A good thank-you message has these parts:
| Part | Example |
|---|---|
| Greeting | Dear Uncles and Aunts, |
| Say thank you and why | We would like to thank you for having us at the home yesterday. |
| Say what you enjoyed | We had a lot of fun playing games and singing songs. |
| Closing hope | We cannot wait to meet all of you again. |
English Year 6 SK, p. 17 (outline only).
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2.5Grammar: abstract and concrete nouns (pp. 18-19)
| Abstract noun | Concrete noun |
|---|---|
| pride, confidence, friendship, charity, childhood | school, music, perfume, sweets, table |
| honesty, courage, jealousy, danger, patriotism | apple, mirror, cottage, coffin |
English Year 6 SK, p. 18 (first row); second row added as extra examples.
This table is made of wood. (concrete)
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2.6Language Arts: the poem "Swinging" (p. 20)
The poem has three verses about a child on a swing, going "low and high". Lines end with rhyming words such as high / sky and go / low. Recite it with actions to feel the rhythm.