15 Nonverbal Cues Every Teacher Needs to Know

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Show Notes:

Do you ever feel like your voice is strained by the end of the day or that your classroom feels loud and noisy all the time? As teachers we’re constantly talking all day long…and our students are too! We tend to use our voices for all elements of teaching whether it’s redirecting, transitioning, or asking our students to refocus during a lesson. But there’s an easier and quieter way that doesn’t disrupt the flow of your teaching.

This is where nonverbal cues come in. Instead of using your voice to give directions or in times of transition, use silent signals. Using nonverbal cues helps manage your classroom by using less of your voice while also impacting the whole feel of your classroom. You’d be surprised how much your voice level affects your students’ voices and the noise level of your classroom. 

If you’re looking for new ways to redirect your students without using your voice, then today’s episode is for you. I’m sharing 15 examples of nonverbal cues for you to keep in your classroom management toolbox. With each example, I discuss how to easily implement them throughout your day. I’ll also emphasize the importance of modeling and setting clear and consistent expectations when the nonverbal cue is used in your classroom.

If your classroom is noisy and the voice level of your students is always loud, it’s tempting to match their energy or be even louder to get their attention. But by doing the opposite and using nonverbal cues, your students will respond and refocus more effectively and will learn in a calmer environment. After listening to this episode, you’ll see why nonverbal cues are so effective and you may even be asking yourself why you haven’t been using nonverbal cues more!

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• 15 nonverbal cues to use in your classroom and how they can positively impact the feel of your classroom
• Why you need to model and try the nonverbal cues more than once in order for them to become effective with your students
• How students mirror the energy you’re putting out there and ways to achieve a calmer environment and build in moments of silence
• The benefits of using nonverbal cues and how using them affects your voice and energy by the end of the school day

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• Classroom Management Hack: Use Sign Language
• 15 Ways to Use Timers to Streamline Your Classroom Management
• 12 Transition Ideas: Save Time Moving Between Activities & When Lining Up

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