lenny

Safe Signals

user image

Lesson Plan

Safe Signals Group Plan

Students in grades 1–3 will learn three simple, silent hand signals to ask for help, show understanding, or take a break, then practice them with a partner to build confidence and independence.

Young learners often call out when they need support. Using agreed-upon silent signals helps keep the classroom calm, empowers students to self-advocate, and builds confidence.

Audience

1st–3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Model signals, partner practice, and simple self-check

Materials

Signal Choices Slides, Signal Role-Play Activity, and Signal Usage Tracker Rubric

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome Circle

5 minutes

  • Invite students to sit in a carpet circle.
  • Ask: “How can we say ‘hello’ or ‘please’ without using our voices?”
  • Listen to ideas (e.g., wave hand, nod).
  • Explain: “Today we’ll learn three quiet hand signals to show what we need.”

Step 2

Show Safe Signals

7 minutes

  • Display Signal Choices Slides.
  • Introduce each signal one at a time:
    • Hand on heart = I need a break.
    • Thumbs up = I understand.
    • Hand raised on desk = I need help.
  • After each, model the gesture slowly and have students copy you.

Step 3

Partner Practice

10 minutes

  • Pair students up and give each pair a few scenario cards from Signal Role-Play Activity.
  • Role A reads a simple scenario and uses the correct signal; Role B watches and gives a thumbs-up when they see it.
  • After each turn, partners say one nice thing (“Great job!”).
  • Switch roles and try two more scenarios.

Step 4

Quick Self-Check

5 minutes

  • Hand out Signal Usage Tracker Rubric.
  • Ask students to circle the face or number that shows how well they used the signals.
  • Invite a few volunteers to share their favorite signal.

Step 5

Cool-Down Debrief

3 minutes

  • Gather back in the circle.
  • Ask: “Which signal was easiest
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Safe Signals: Classroom Communication

Learn simple hand signals to request help, show understanding, or take a break—all without speaking aloud.

Welcome students to our Safe Signals session. Explain that today we'll learn simple hand gestures to communicate silently in class, helping everyone learn without interruptions.

Signal 1: Hand on Heart

Meaning: “I need a break.”
How to use it:
• Place your flat hand gently on your heart.
• Wait quietly for the teacher to notice.

Introduce the first signal. Demonstrate placing hand on heart. Encourage students to try it with you.

Signal 2: Thumbs Up

Meaning: “I understand.”
How to use it:
• Give a clear thumbs-up in the air.
• Keep it raised until the teacher sees it.

Show the thumbs-up gesture. Ask students to practice giving a thumbs up in place.

Signal 3: Hand Raised on Desk

Meaning: “I need help.”
How to use it:
• Raise your hand above your desk.
• Hold it up—no waving—until the teacher responds.

Demonstrate raising hand on the desk. Emphasize keeping the arm still until called on.

Why Use Safe Signals?

• Prevents interruptions during lessons
• Lets everyone stay focused
• Helps you share needs respectfully

Remind students why these signals help our class run smoothly and how they show respect.

Next Steps

We’ll now practice these signals in our Signal Role-Play Activity.
Get ready to demonstrate and give feedback to a partner!

Explain the upcoming activity. Encourage enthusiasm for practicing signals in pairs.

lenny

Activity

Signal Role-Play Activity Instructions

Overview: In pairs, students will practice using our three safe signals by acting out real-life classroom scenarios. Each student alternates between the “student” (who uses a signal) and the “teacher” (who recognizes and responds).

Materials Needed: Scenario cards from Signal Role-Play Activity

Steps for Pairs

  1. Form Pairs: Find a partner. Decide who is Student A (first “student”) and Student B (first “teacher”).
  2. Select a Scenario Card: Student A draws one scenario card. Read it aloud.
  3. Role-Play: Student A plays the student in the scenario and uses the correct safe signal to communicate. Student B watches and responds quietly (e.g., nods, offers a quiet verbal cue).
  4. Reflect Briefly: After the signal, Student B gives quick feedback: “You did great! I saw your thumbs-up.”
  5. Switch Roles: Swap roles and draw a new scenario.
  6. Repeat: Continue until time is up or you’ve tried at least three different cards.

Scenario Cards (Cut into individual slips)

  1. scenario-math-confusion
    You’re working on a math problem and realize you don’t know how to solve it. Use the appropriate signal to ask for help.


  2. scenario-stress-break
    You feel stressed and need to take a short break. Use the appropriate signal to request a break.


  3. scenario-understanding
    You just heard new instructions and want to show you understand. Use the appropriate signal to show understanding.


  4. scenario-language-help
    You have a question about a spelling word. Use the appropriate signal to ask for help.


  5. scenario-question-clarification
    You need clarification on a set of directions. Use the appropriate signal to ask a question.


lenny
lenny

Rubric

Signal Usage Tracker Rubric

Self-assess your use of safe signals during role-play by circling the number that best describes your performance.

Criteria1 – Needs Improvement2 – Developing3 – Proficient4 – Exemplary
Accuracy of SignalUsed incorrect signal or none at all.Sometimes used the correct signal but needed reminders.Usually used the correct signal for the scenario.Quickly and accurately used the correct signal every time.
Clarity of GestureGesture was unclear or barely noticeable.Gesture was somewhat visible but could be clearer.Gesture was clear and visible most of the time.Gesture was always clear, distinct, and easily noticed.
Confidence & TimingHesitated and dropped the signal too soon.Showed some confidence but delayed or held signal inconsistently.Demonstrated confidence and signaled in a timely manner.Very confident; signaled promptly and held until always noticed.

Comments & Next Steps
Write one thing you did well and one thing you will work on next time.





lenny
lenny