Using Email to Stay Connected
Email is a reliable way to stay in touch with family, share photos, and keep important information organized. Unlike text messages, emails are easy to save and search later - perfect for keeping those precious family updates.
Why Email is Still Great
Write Longer Messages
Unlike texts, email is perfect for longer, thoughtful messages and updates.
Easy to Organize
Create folders for different family members or topics. Find old messages easily.
Attach Files and Photos
Send photos, documents, and files easily - in higher quality than text messages.
Works Everywhere
Check email on your phone, tablet, or computer - same messages everywhere.
Writing a Good Email
To:
The email address of the person you're writing to (e.g., jane@gmail.com)
CC: (Carbon Copy)
Additional people who should see the email. They can see each other's addresses.
Subject:
A short title for your email. Make it clear! Example: "Photos from Thanksgiving" or "Checking in"
Body:
Your actual message. Start with a greeting, write your message, end with your name.
Example Email
To: sarah.daughter@email.com
Subject: Beautiful garden photos
Message:
Hi Sarah,
I wanted to share some photos of my garden - the roses are blooming beautifully this year! The grandkids would love to see them when they visit.
How are you doing? Let me know when you're free to chat.
Love,
Mom
Replying to Emails
- Open the email you want to reply to
- Tap or click the Reply button (curved arrow)
- Your reply appears above their original message
- Type your response
- Tap Send
Reply vs. Reply All
Reply: Goes only to the person who sent the email
Reply All: Goes to everyone who received the original email (use carefully!)
Forwarding Emails
Want to share an email with someone else? Forward it:
- Open the email you want to share
- Tap Forward (arrow pointing right)
- Enter the new recipient's email address
- Add a note at the top if you'd like
- Tap Send
This is great for sharing news, photos, or information someone sent you.
Attaching Photos and Files
- Start writing your email
- Look for the attachment icon (usually a paperclip)
- Tap it and choose what to attach:
- Photo Library/Gallery - for photos
- Files/Documents - for other files
- Select your file(s)
- Wait for them to upload (you'll see them in the email)
- Send your email
Size Limit: Most email providers limit attachments to about 25MB. For many photos, send them in separate emails or use a sharing service.
Organizing Your Inbox
Create Folders
Make folders for different topics: "Family", "Medical", "Bills", "Recipes". Move important emails there.
Star/Flag Important Emails
Tap the star icon to mark emails you want to find easily later.
Delete What You Don't Need
Don't keep every email. Delete advertisements and spam to keep your inbox tidy.
Use Search
Can't find an email? Use the search bar and type a word from the email or the sender's name.
Staying Safe with Email
Watch for Scam Emails
Be suspicious of emails from "banks" or companies asking for passwords, personal info, or payment. Real companies never ask for this by email.
Check the Sender
Before clicking anything, look at who sent it. Scammers use addresses that look real but aren't (like "amazn.com" instead of "amazon.com").
Don't Click Suspicious Links
If an email seems odd, don't click any links. When in doubt, go to the website directly by typing it in your browser.
When in Doubt, Ask
If you receive an unusual email, even from someone you know, call them to verify they sent it. Their account may have been hacked.
Common Email Providers
Gmail
Google's email. Works great on phones. 15GB free storage.
Yahoo Mail
Long-established service. 1TB free storage.
Outlook/Hotmail
Microsoft's email. Works well with Windows computers.
iCloud Mail
Apple's email. Works seamlessly with iPhone and Mac.
Email Etiquette Tips
Use a Clear Subject Line
Helps recipients know what your email is about before opening it.
Don't Type in ALL CAPS
It's considered shouting online. Use normal capitalization.
Reply Promptly
Try to respond within a day or two, even if just to acknowledge you received it.
Check Before Sending
Re-read your email and check the recipient is correct before hitting send.
Email Essentials
- Clear subject line helps readers understand your email
- Reply goes to one person, Reply All goes to everyone
- Paperclip icon to attach files and photos
- Be cautious with emails asking for personal information
- Search bar helps find old emails quickly