HOW TO USE CLASSROOM SIGNALS

I am continuing the classroom management series this week by telling you about classroom signals.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a list of classroom management post and ideas?

A definitive resource you could bookmark and reference whenever the need arises?

I thought so too.

So, here is a series that covers all the basics to create a classroom management plan.

If you are joining us now, welcome! Here is the other post in this series:

The Ultimate Classroom Management Guide: Here you will learn about the difference between routines and procedures.

Let’s jump right in!

WHAT IS A CLASSROOM SIGNAL?

The word signal implies an action used to transmit information. When teachers use signals in the classroom, they are communicating with their students.

This is the expectation that comes with giving a classroom signal. The goal of using signals in the classroom is to get the student’s attention.

CLASSROOM SIGNALS TO GET STUDENT’S ATTENTION

In my classroom, I use the signal to get my students attentions under five seconds.

I teach this procedure at the beginning of the year and after long breaks. For my classroom signal, I simply put my hand up and say, “may I have your attention, please.”

Subsequently, my students put their hands up and look at me. Right after, I tell them to put their hands down and continue to give them instructions.  

THE ESSENTIALS OF A CLASSROOM SIGNAL

My classroom signal follows the four criteria of a successful classroom signal as used in CHAMPS and classroom management.

A winning classroom signal is portable, visual, auditory, and kinetic.

I want my signal to meet these criteria to make it easier on me.  I can use my classroom signal anywhere in the school and achieve to get my student’s attention.

By getting my classroom attention quickly, I can spend time teaching more academic content and spend less time in managing behavior.

USING SUCCESSFUL CLASSROOM SIGNALS

Now, I did not achieve this overnight. I reinforce the classroom signal and expectation all the time. This is achieved through practice, feedback, and repetition.

My classroom routines and procedures are treated in the same way as academic content. This means I take time at the beginning of the year to introduce, teach, practice, and assess.

A classroom signal is part of my classroom management plan.

CLASSROOM SIGNALS FOR INSTRUCTION

I use other classroom signals in the class for my kids to communicate with me.

I have established four signals my kids give me in the classroom to use the bathroom, drink water, get a tissue and ask questions.

These signals have come in handy during instruction and independent time. They have reduced classroom interruptions countless times.

USING THE FIVE CLASSROOM SIGNALS

I post classroom signals that my kids give in the classroom. These signals just like the classroom signal get taught and are part of the classroom management plan.

The easy part about these signals is they don’t require much and are easy to remember.

Each signal just requires the kids to show me a number with their hands.

• One is to use the bathroom
• Two is to use the water fountain
• Three is to use the sink
• Four is to get a tissue
• Five is to ask questions

WHEN TO USE CLASSROOM SIGNALS?

My kids use these signals during different types of instruction such as whole and small group instruction. These signals are universal in my school, so my kids get tons of practice before they get to fourth grade.

I continue to use them and reinforce them throughout the year. In my opinion, they bring uniformity which makes transitions between grade levels easier.  

Even though my kids are familiar with these signals, I still review them and make them part of my lesson plans at the beginning of the year and after long breaks.

I created these posters to have these visuals in the classrooms for my kids and adults that come in the room.

When I have teacher guests, substitutes, it helps them follow the routines and procedure establish in the classroom.

WRAPPING IT UP

As I go back to my classroom, I look forward to teaching the foundation that makes my classroom run smoothly. A classroom management plan in the classroom is essential to maximize instruction with the kids.

You can grab these posters here for your classroom and students!

I am happy to share my classroom management plan with you. Stay tuned as I unfold each part of my classroom management plan with you.