Behaviour and Relationships

As we continue to establish our safe and orderly learning environments there are a number of skills that assist us. This week is the Signal, Pause, Insist. This is one of the most important routines in teaching it allows teachers to move from one lesson phase to another calmly and efficiently.

Choose a signal  

Select a clear and easily reproducible signal. It could be raised hand, two sharp claps, standing in a particular spot. It doesn’t matter as long as it can be used freely and is repeatable.

Give the signal

During the lesson when you want to transition to a different activity or teacher input, stop what you are doing stand facing the class give the signal and scan the room making eye contact with everyone.

Pause

This is crucial. Give students time to make the transition. Hold eye contact all the time. When the students are ready, affirm their positive response with a simple, “thank you”.

Insist

Before you move on you must be sure that you have the agreed response from everyone. If you can’t get 100% response through body language and eye contact, low level reminders “when you are ready please” or “John I need you to listen now”.  Don’t forget to affirm their positive response.