Non-Verbal Cues
Non-Verbal Cues
Why should I do it:
- Creates a working relationship with student without calling attention to the student in a negative manner
- Is discrete and quick
- Saves class and instruction time
- Makes students more comfortable and likely to participate and be involved
- Easy to do and effective
- Improves and builds student confidence and self-esteem
When should I do it:
- When a student is losing attention and focus during times of instruction or independent work
- As a form of redirection from misbehavior, talking, off task behaviors, etc
- When a student has problems talking in front of the class
- When a student does not participate or volunteer
- When a student is not following classroom/school procedures
- When a student does something good, correct, successfully, etc
How do I do it:
- Meet with student individually to identify with student how you and they should communicate in a special way
- Have student, as much as possible, pick the sign to use
- Practice with the student and explain when you notice they might need some re-focus, you will show them the sign
- Set up a cue with a student for when they would like to participate, volunteer, or when they will be called on to do so or speak or read in front of the class
- Use cues like smiles, thumbs up, shaking head “yes”, etc to praise students for correct behaviors, participation, volunteering, etc, or to reassure them and encourage them
- Use simple cues like shaking head “no”, raising eyebrows, giving a “one minute” finger signal, etc to redirect students, give directives, etc
Resources & Support for technique:
(Items with footnotes link to external websites)
- How to Develop Non-Verbal Cues for Classroom Management 1
- Non-Verbal Cues For Procedures 2
- Non Verbal Cues: Learn How To Use Them Effectively In Teacher Student Communication 3
- UF Researcher: Teachers’ Nonverbal Clues Affect Students’ Performance 4
Footnotes:
- Schreiner, E. How to Develop Non-Verbal Cues for Classroom Management. [http://www.ehow.com/how_6011545_develop-non_verbal-cues-classroom-management.html].
- Weisner, K. (2007). Non-verbal Cues for Procedures. [http://www.marvinmarshall.com/discipline-answers/signing-classroom-routines.php].
- classroom-management-success. Non Verbal Cues: Learn How To Use Them Effectively In Teacher Student Communication. [http://www.classroom-management-success.org/non-verbal-cues.html].
- Harmel, K. ScienceDaily (Jan. 22, 1999). UF Researcher: Teachers’ Nonverbal Clues Affect Students’ Performance. [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/01/990122130911.htm].