Non Verbal Communication.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words!!

My non verbal communication teaching strategies can be very effective in achieving classroom discipline and creating a respectful and positive classroom environment!

These strategies should be introduced at the beginning of the year, so that students are aware of them.

Continue to follow them throughout the year, - you may want to add others or eliminate some, according to the needs of your students and your style of teaching.

Examples of Non Verbal Communication

Here's a list of assertive discipline strategies that I have used over my many years that helped to establish a positive and successful learning environment.

* Body language is sooo important! - students can read you. Crossing your arms a lot is seen as a negative stand and could put students on the defensive for no reason.

* Be aware that your students also communicate their feelings as well as other messages through non verbal cues and signals. Listen to your students' body language.

* Eye contact is the most powerful method of non verbal communication between people. Be sure to establish eye contact with your students to gain their trust and make positive impressions.

* Before you begin teaching/talking always "scan" the classroom and make sure "all eyes on me".

* If the classroom is very noisy with students talking but they know that you want to start your lesson, one extremely effective tactic is to stand still and stare at the clock (wherever it is in the room) and wait patiently and calmly until they stop talking (do not cross your arms).

When there is silence, calmly say "You have just wasted 3,4,5, etc., minutes of my time. It is to be made up at recess". At recess, the students are to sit quietly for the amount of time they wasted and then be dismissed quietly. (No working or reading is to be done by the students during that time - you on the other hand, can mark work or do whatever).

* The 5 second stare - When teaching and a student is talking, stop talking, even in mid-sentence, wait patiently staring at the student while counting to five (to yourself), and then continue teaching the lesson (stare at them, not through them - most effective).

* Hold up your hand to "STOP" students from talking or doing something they shouldn't be doing.

* Put your index finger to your mouth (for "Shhh") to make student(s) quiet.

* Nod your head to indicate "NO", to stop them from doing something wrong and then smile and nod "yes" after they stop.

* Shrug your shoulders and hand gesture to ask "What are you doing?".

* Point in the direction you want a student to go to or look at.

* Circulate around the room as you teach (when applicable)- you're not glued to the front of the class - too hypnotizing.

* When circulating around the room and talking, touch or put your hand gently on the shoulder of the student who is not focused and then continue walking.

* Touching is a very tricky subject in today's society. Touching in any form as a behavioral deterrent must be avoided. Touching as a sign of congratulations in younger children is accepted but should be avoided for older students.

* While circulating and "scanning" the classroom, as you are teaching, you notice a student who is writing or reading. Gently put their pencil, marker, or paper down on their desk and continue walking and smiling as you walk away, without losing a beat.

* Frowning if you disapprove, also works well.

* Lower your hand to let students know to lower their hand to ask questions later.

I'm sure by now you can understand that non verbal communication strategies can be a very useful and powerful tool in establishing and maintaining classroom discipline in a positive motivational manner.

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