Student Contributor: G. Bunten
This tool is an effective way for students to come and go from the classroom without it being a distraction. The signs are a quick and easy way to get student opinions on “yes” or “no” questions.
This tool is a way for students to non-verbally communicate with the teacher when asking simple questions such as asking to use the restroom. Students will be taught the signs in the beginning of the year and are a way for the teacher to maintain classroom management without getting interrupted multiple times when assisting other students, talking to adults, etc. Some elements that my mentor includes that vary from classroom to classroom are that students are unable to leave the classroom while she is teaching unless it is an emergency. From my experience this tool has made the management run smoothly and students aren’r interrupting with repetitive questions.
This tool relates to the Theories of Influence by it being a teacher-directed tool because the signs are already chosen before the school year starts. Signs that are used are not collaboratively decided. Teachers could make this tool collaborative by having the class determine how many signs they would like to use .This tool would fall under the preventative phase because it prevents classroom disruptions and creates quick responses. The signs prevent distractions and getting other students off task. It could relate to the corrective phase if students are having issues with frequently interrupting lessons to ask to use the restroom.
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Tool Source: Mrs. Becker
I tested this strategy with my 1st and 2nd graders in an urban district, and it went very well with both groups! With my first group of 2nd graders, I had 25 students, and now with 1st grade I have 18, but the 1st grade group seemed to have an easier time integrating these signs into their routines. We use these signs now throughout the day. I slowly integrated some in the beginning, such as the “me too” sign for when they agree with someone, or for using the restroom/getting water. It was easy to prove to the students that they were less disruptive, so they were quick to embrace and utilize these signs to help our classroom run smoothly, as well as the more common ones like “yes” and “no.” We don’t use all of the signs shown here, only 7 or 8, but they are still extremely helpful in quietly allowing students to communicate without much distraction. I am still teaching any additional sign language as a mini-lesson between activities, and they love learning them. They will even show them to their families! I could not recommend this prevention strategy more strongly.