Hand Signals Signs {CLASSROOM 360}

Classroom 360 is a complete tour of my classroom as designed for the 2012-2013 school year. Each post highlights an aspect of my room with photos, a detailed explanation of it's purpose, and often times videos.


Starting in the upper right corner of my classroom, we have my hand signal signs located above the classroom door. I debated making changes to these by mounting them onto different color cardstock to reflect the bright colors that were added to my classroom as part of the 2012-2013 makeover, but since they were already a bright aqua I decided to keep them status quo.

I've posted about them before, but have recently created a video and updated the download to include 5 new cards featuring the images seen below without the text so you can add your own meaning.

These printables are available in my Online Store as an instant download. 

They include: the 5 predesigned signals shown here, 5 additional wordless signs, and the "We use Hand Signals" sign (shown).  Click here to purchase them.

Using hand signals in the classroom helps to create a learning environment with minimal distraction. I’ve been using them for as long as I can remember and they are an essential part of my classroom management system.

The students communicate their basic needs using five numbered hand signals. This eliminates the need to interrupt the class while allowing me to be aware of the location of each student at all times.

I ask that they do not request to get a drink or use the bathroom (unless it is an emergency) during read alouds, whole group instruction, or when they are working in a small group with me so that they do not miss part of a lesson. It is important to discuss what an actual emergency entails or you will have your friends claiming that it is always an emergency. The majority of my instruction is done in the form of shorter mini-lessons so this is never a problem.

By using the hand signals, students are able to let me know what they need by holding up a specific number of fingers. I am able to simply look at them and nod to acknowledge their request. I can do this without stopping what I am doing. This is important as I am frequently working with other students.

In the past I have experimented with simply allowing them to move around as needed, but there were always a few students who took advantage of that. They would get off task and wander the room to get a drink or a tissue to avoid working on something. This then distracted others from their work. The hand signals are an added step to prevent off task behaviors. Knowing that I am aware of their actions eliminates impulsive behaviors associated with wandering.

Click here to purchase and print these posters for your classroom.

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