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Silent Signals

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Lesson Plan

Signal Introduction Plan

Students will learn and practice five nonverbal classroom management cues (Silent Signals) to maintain calm, clarity, and engagement without interrupting lessons.

Nonverbal cues help streamline transitions, reduce disruptions, and foster a respectful, focused classroom environment. Teaching these signals empowers students to self-regulate and stay on task.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive demonstration and guided practice

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Greet students and explain today they’ll learn ‘Silent Signals’—nonverbal cues to keep the class running smoothly
  • Ask: “What happens when we talk out of turn or interrupt? How might silent cues help?”
  • Share the lesson objective and why these signals matter

Step 2

Signal Demonstration

6 minutes

  • Display the Silent Signal Icons one at a time
  • For each icon, explain its meaning (e.g., ‘Raise hand low’ means ‘I have a question,’ ‘Thumbs up’ means ‘I understand’)
  • Model each signal physically and ask students to mimic you
  • Check for understanding: call out a signal name and have students show it

Step 3

Practice Charades

4 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs and hand out a shuffled set of Signal Charades cards
  • One partner picks a card and silently shows the signal; the other names it
  • After one round, partners switch roles
  • Circulate and provide feedback on accuracy and clarity

Step 4

Reflection & Exit

3 minutes

  • Distribute the Signal Consistency Checklist and have students rate how well they felt they used and recognized signals today
  • Invite 2–3 students to share one signal they used and why it was helpful
  • Conclude with the Signal Practice Exit: prompt students to demonstrate their favorite signal as they leave the carpet or transition back to desks
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Slide Deck

Silent Signals

Nonverbal cues to help us stay focused, respectful, and on task.

Welcome students! Today we’ll learn three “Silent Signals” that help keep our classroom calm and clear. Introduce the concept and explain that these signals let us communicate without interrupting.

Overview of Signals

• Low Hand Raise
• Thumbs Up
• Quiet Clap

Briefly list each signal. Explain we’ll cover them one at a time.

Signal 1: Low Hand Raise

Raise your hand lightly at waist level to ask a question.

Demonstrate quietly raising your hand about waist height. Explain that students use this when they have a question without calling out.

Signal 2: Thumbs Up

Give a thumbs up when you understand or agree.

Show a thumbs-up gesture. Tell students this means “I understand” or “I agree.” Ask them to practice.

Signal 3: Quiet Clap

Clap softly once to signal you’re ready and paying attention.

Demonstrate a single soft clap. Explain this signal means “I’m ready” or “I’m paying attention.” Have students try together.

Let’s Practice!

I’ll call a signal name—show me the gesture!

• Low Hand Raise
• Thumbs Up
• Quiet Clap

Use this slide to lead a quick call-and-response. Call out each signal and have students show it on your cue.

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Activity

Signal Charades (Activity)

Objective: Practice recognizing and naming our “Silent Signals” through a fun, charades-style game.

Time: 4 minutes

Materials:

  • Printed Signal Charades cards (12 total):
    • 4 × Low Hand Raise
    • 4 × Thumbs Up
    • 4 × Quiet Clap
  • A timer or stopwatch (optional)

Prep:

  • Shuffle the 12 cards and place them face-down in small stacks for each pair.

Instructions:

  1. Pair up students and give each pair a stack of shuffled cards.
  2. Player A draws one card without showing it to Player B.
  3. Player A silently performs the signal written on the card (just the gesture—no talking!).
  4. Player B watches and names the signal.
    • If Player B is correct, they keep the card.
    • If incorrect, Player A returns the card to the bottom of the stack.
  5. Switch roles after each turn. Continue for 2–3 rounds or until time is up.
  6. Gather student attention and ask:
    • Which signal was easiest to act out?
    • Which one was trickiest to name?

Cards (12 total):

  1. Low Hand Raise – Raise your hand lightly at waist level to ask a question.
  2. Low Hand Raise – Raise your hand lightly at waist level to ask a question.
  3. Low Hand Raise – Raise your hand lightly at waist level to ask a question.
  4. Low Hand Raise – Raise your hand lightly at waist level to ask a question.
  5. Thumbs Up – Give a thumbs up when you understand or agree.
  6. Thumbs Up – Give a thumbs up when you understand or agree.
  7. Thumbs Up – Give a thumbs up when you understand or agree.
  8. Thumbs Up – Give a thumbs up when you understand or agree.
  9. Quiet Clap – Clap softly once to signal you’re ready and paying attention.
  10. Quiet Clap – Clap softly once to signal you’re ready and paying attention.
  11. Quiet Clap – Clap softly once to signal you’re ready and paying attention.
  12. Quiet Clap – Clap softly once to signal you’re ready and paying attention.
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Rubric

Signal Consistency Checklist

Instructions: Rate your usage and recognition of each Silent Signal today using the scale:

  • 4 = Always
  • 3 = Often
  • 2 = Sometimes
  • 1 = Rarely
SignalUsage (How often I used this signal appropriately)Recognition (How well I recognized this signal from others)
Low Hand Raise[ ] 4 [ ] 3 [ ] 2 [ ] 1[ ] 4 [ ] 3 [ ] 2 [ ] 1
Thumbs Up[ ] 4 [ ] 3 [ ] 2 [ ] 1[ ] 4 [ ] 3 [ ] 2 [ ] 1
Quiet Clap[ ] 4 [ ] 3 [ ] 2 [ ] 1[ ] 4 [ ] 3 [ ] 2 [ ] 1
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Cool Down

Signal Practice Exit

Exit Ticket

  1. Demonstrate your favorite Silent Signal one last time for the teacher.

  2. Write one sentence explaining why this signal helps our classroom:



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