Using Signals in the Classroom

The use of classroom signals is very important in classroom management. Signals help create a controlled and organized work environment for both the teacher and the students in the classroom. Nonverbal signals are a great way to recapture your student’s attention when conversations or noise levels get too loud in the classroom. When trying to get the children’s attention in a noisy classroom, yelling often enhances the noise. Nonverbal signals can also help the teacher get control of the classroom by addressing the student’s needs. The teacher can create and explain signals for using the restroom, sharpening a pencil, or even for answering a question. This can eliminate issues during instructional periods. Verbal signals can also be used to catch the attention of the students. Verbal signals such as a song can be very helpful in primary grades. Songs can be used to express that a certain task needs to be completed, such as, cleaning up or lining up.  Signals are very important to manage, control and organize a classroom.