Classroom Management Solution: Hand Signals

“Can I go to the bathroom?”
“I need a Kleenex.”
“I gotta sharpen my pencil.”
 
A student’s hand is raised.  Does she need a pencil?  Does she need to use the restroom?  Or does she have trouble with a math problem?
 
The Solution
One of the best things I implemented in my classroom was the use of hand signals.  It takes a little practice in the beginning, but students get used to using the hand signals.
 
Here are my signals:
1 Finger = Pencil
2 Crossed Fingers: Restroom
3 Fingers: Kleenex or Water
5 Fingers: Question
Thumbs Up: Got it!
Thumb to the Side: Still Working
 
These come in handy during standardized testing, too!  (I know, I know.  It’s WAY too early to think about that!)
 
Free Printable Signs
Free Classroom Hand Signals Posters

You can download your free printable signs right here on The Science Penguin in the Free Resource Library.

 

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15 thoughts on “Classroom Management Solution: Hand Signals”

  1. Love these signs showing the hand signals. Only problem for me is that the sign you have for restroom with two fingers crossed is the signal we use school wide for Respect (sign language “r”) for kids to quite down. Do you have a sign with just 2 finger held up?

    Reply
  2. Thank you, I am a first year teacher this year and am having to teach out of area (I’m trained at the middle/ high school and am going to be teaching Grade 5!) One of my colleagues sad he used hand signals in his class last year and it really worked, so I wanted to try it. This has just made the never ending list of things I need to do a little shorter!

    Reply
  3. We use a similar approach but use actual ASL signs (MS Science class)
    A = I have an ANSWER to a question
    I = I need more INFORMATION or have a question
    C = COMMENT (I can add something to the topic)
    We do NOT use pencil or bathroom signs since students are to take care of these before we start class or wait until we are doing independent work.

    Reply

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