Here are some examples which might help to keep emotional level low whilst giving students a chance to make good choices.
I would prefer it if… I’m not sure that would be a good choice to make… You might want to do that, but I would prefer it if … You may choose to do that, but it may cause you a problem Perhaps you might like to … Perhaps I could suggest that…. You might like to … If you were to try to… then perhaps….. It looks like there’s a problem today with … perhaps you would like to…. Have I explained this clearly enough for all of you? Let me know if I haven't. If this work is a little difficult, let me know when I come round and see you individually I haven't got a problem with you sitting there but you might prefer to move if you are having difficulties I would prefer it if you didn’t tap your pencil/wave your ruler – I notice noise/visual really easily and it sometimes makes me lose my train of thought - it might affect others in the class too If what you are doing is contributing to this lesson’s learning, then that’s fine – otherwise I would prefer it… What you’re doing is great and now I’d like you to … Your discussion is great if it helps the learning for this lesson - otherwise I would prefer it … If you haven’t understood what we’re dong, it’s probably because I haven’t explained it properly
Useful words and phrases to incorporate:
May, maybe, might, ought, perhaps, suggest, recommend, try, you might prefer to...
a better idea might be..
could I suggest ...
Don't forget to add a 'Thank you' to your request, rather than a 'Please' as is suggests you will expect them to follow a positive path - please email me with any successful phrases you use