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:

1. Schreiner, E. How to Develop Non-Verbal Cues for Classroom Management. [http://www.ehow.com/how_6011545_develop-non_verbal-cues-classroom-management.html].
2. Weisner, K. (2007). Non-verbal Cues for Procedures. [http://www.marvinmarshall.com/discipline-answers/signing-classroom-routines.php].
3. 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].
4. Harmel, K. ScienceDaily (Jan. 22, 1999). UF Researcher: Teachers’ Nonverbal Clues Affect Students’ Performance. [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/01/990122130911.htm].