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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)

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].