"Big 8": Signals

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Signals are kinesthetic, or non-verbal (NON-DISRUPTIVE) indicators students use when they are: 
  • Ready
  • Finished
  • Need help

Signals sound like (TEACHER TALK)
  • Stand behind your chair when your group is prepared. (Ready)
  • I will know you are finished when your pencil is flat on your desk. (Finished)
  • If you need help, turn your color card red side up. (Need help) 
Signals look like (STUDENT ACTION)
  • Computers closed or open (Ready)
  • Thumbs up/Thumbs down (Finished or unfinished, Ready or not)
  • Pencil held high (Need help)
  • Book is open, finger on first word (Ready)

Ideas: I'M READY!

Kinder: In your head, blend the sounds [c-a-t]. When you hear the word, put your hand on your head to tell me you're ready to whisper in my ear!

4th: When you have found your music, whisper sing the first 3 measures. 

8th: As soon as you have found p 137, give me a thumbs up. 


Ideas: I'M FINISHED

1st: When you are finished with the first row of addition problems, give yourself a pat on the back and put your pencil down. 

6th: When your group has completed step 1 of the experiment, please stand behind your chairs. 

9th: When you complete your paragraph, write your name on the board under "Ready for Review", so I can check it. Then, work on...


Ideas: I NEED HELP

3rd: If you need help, sign your name on my clipboard and continue onto the next center. 

5th: If you are stuck on a problem, move to the front table. 

7th: If you need help, turn your cup from green to red. 


MORE IDEAS: 

Hold your pencil in the air when you have answer to __________. 

When you are finished writing, place your pen on top of your paper. 

Give me a thumbs up as soon as you solve for x. 

Hold your goggles over your head when your mixture turns green.


YOU NEED SIGNALS IN YOUR ROOM IF...
  • You direct students to open their math books to page 10. You repeat the direction when you notice that some have responded and some have not. 
  • How could you add a signal for students to communicate that they are READY to go with books open to page 10? 

YOU NEED SIGNALS IN YOUR ROOM IF...
  • You are giving a spelling test. You wait for everyone to write the first word. You find yourself repeating the next word twice as some students lose focus asking, "What was that word?"
  • How could you add a signal for students to show you they are FINISHED writing their word and READY for the next word? 
YOU NEED SIGNALS IN YOUR ROOM IF...
  • You have moved to independent practice during math. When stuck on a problem, several students start talking to the person next to them. This pulls the other students off task. 
  • How could you add a signal for students to indicate that they NEED HELP? 

In conclusion...

Think of a "frustrating" class or time during your school day. How could signals help your day run smoother? How could your students signal that they are READY, FINISHED, and NEED HELP to avoid interrupting your class flow?