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Allow Students to Communicate with Nonverbal Signals

Tags

Social-Emotional Learning All Ages Strategy

Skills

Auditory Processing Listening Comprehension Processing Speed

Allow Students to Communicate with Nonverbal Signals

If your student struggles but is shy or sensitive about asking for help

How To Apply It!

  1. Using nonverbal signals in the classroom or other social settings can be an effective way to support children who are anxious or could get upset easily without drawing attention to a problem.
  2. Teachers can use nonverbal signals that will be easy to remember and meaningful. For example, a thumbs down could mean, "I don't understand."
  3. Teachers can use objects on the desk as a signal. A red block could indicate, "I need your help" while a blue block says, "I'm fine." Teachers could use this strategy for all students in the class.
  4. With parents, a double squeeze of the hand could mean, "I really need to leave." Conversely a secret phrase such as "I really want an apple" could mean the same thing.
  5. Be sure children know not to overuse the nonverbal signals.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

Setting nonverbal signals with a particular student, or the class as a whole, can provide students the security of ask for help without the discomfort of raising a hand or verbalizing a fear. In many cases, nonverbal signals allows a child an effective and comfortable way to self-advocate. This is especially important for students who might be reluctant to ask for help.