Dear Teachers,

I am in the process of gathering examples of how body language is used in the classroom. The idea is to help create an awareness of the Non-verbal signals that teachers use. I am looking for examples of body language that may be inhibiting learning, as well as examples of positive teacher body language. If you would be willing, please give some examples of both positive and non-effective body language that you have either experienced or have observed in the classroom.

Thanks so much!

[newpalmetto]

the mean teacher look!- definiteely an example of negative body/facial language. I actually use a lot of sign language in my classroom (that's not exactly body language in it's typical sense, but...)

[linda2671]

I have a student who needs lots of one on one, and doesn't understand things even after going over them with her several times. I find myself having to work at having a smile on my face the fifth time she comes for help. It's so easy to tighten my lips and curl my eyebrows, but she would pick up on that and get frustrated (Well, maybe she would pick up on that). Facial expressions are so important.
I have a sign in my room that says, "Kids don't interrupt my business. Kids are my business." It really helps me remember to keep my body language positive.

[moonlightk]

We once had a teacher at my school that had a problem with stuttering. He said body language was one of the most annoying things people did when he was trying to get a word out. The leaning in, raised eyebrows, or even people who would make circular motions with their hands as he was trying to say a word, would always make it worse. He said that would just give him a complex about it and make it even harder to say the word correctly.

[Tatum]

While I wait for my students to get quiet during a lesson...I fold my arms and tap my foot...I know it must be so annoying now that I think about it. I also raise my hand to signal quiet, but when lots of kids don't know it's raised I walk closer and look them in the eye.

[NeeCee]

I smile a lot, almost instantly upon making eye contact with someone. We are a pretty upbeat and jovial family and smiling has just become an ingrained thing to do. Luckily, I the way I feel most days matches the outside expression.

At the beginning and end of each day, I hold my arms out, palms up, to offer my students a handshake, high five, or a hug. It's their choice.

When I want to make a point about the class behavior or attitude going downhill, I just stop talking mid-sentence and go sit at my desk. It becomes eerily quiet when I do that.