Fingers Held Up for Levels of Comprehension: What Do You Know?
Meaning: Students show a number of fingers one through four to communicate their understanding of a concept.
Rationale: Hand signs helps students self assess their knowledge of a given topic. It allows teachers to quickly identify students who need additional instruction and pair students for peer teaching.
- 4 fingers: I understand this concept well enough to use it on my own and can teach it to others
- 3 fingers: I understand this concept well enough to use it on my own
- 2 fingers: I need some help before I can use this concept on my own
- 1 finger: I don’t understand this concept
Rationale: Hand signs helps students self assess their knowledge of a given topic. It allows teachers to quickly identify students who need additional instruction and pair students for peer teaching.
Hang Loose Sign: I Think So TooMeaning: I have the same idea. I am thinking the same thing. I agree with you.
What it looks like: Thumb and pinkie finger are extended and shaken back and forth. Rationale: This sign allows teachers to quickly assess student understanding and it allows students to share the same sentiment and get credit for ideas. Rolling Hands: Don't Give Up!Meaning: I acknowledge that you are trying hard and have a relevant idea. Please continue to try to explain yourself, don’t give up, keep talking.
What it looks like: Forearms are held straight over each other and hands are in fists. Forearms are rolled around each other. Rationale: This signs gives students encouragement from peers when they are struggling to explain their thoughts. Grabbing Ear: I Have Something to SayMeaning: I have something I want others to listen to. I need to tell the teacher something. I have a question. (takes place of raising hand)
What it looks like: Thumb and forefinger are used to pinch and gently shake earlobe. Rationale: This sign helps students contribute without disturbing others. It is less disruptive than raising hands. Shaking Hand by Ear: Speak ClearlyMeaning: I want to understand you but I can’t hear what you’re saying. Please repeat what you said in a louder voice.
What it looks like: Hand is cupped and shaken close to ear. Rationale: It helps students speak in a clear and confident manner. It facilitates effective peer to peer communication. Shushing Finger: Please Be QuieterMeaning: You are making noise that is being disruptive. I want you to make less noise but that doesn’t mean that you have to be completely silent.
What it looks like: Forefinger is held to the lips. A quiet shushing sound can be made. Rationale: Students can politely ask others to be quiet when that is needed to learn. Holding Cup: I Need A DrinkMeaning: I want a drink of water from the classroom sink.
What it looks like: use thumb and fingers to mime holding an imaginary cup. Mimic drinking from cup. Rationale: Students can ask for a drink in a non disruptive way. |
Chopping Hands: I Think DifferentlyMeaning: I have a new/different idea. I am thinking something different from you.
What it looks like: Forearms and hands are held straight over each other and moved back and forth. Rationale: This sign shows presence or lack of consensus among students. It allows teachers to judge comprehension and pair differing students with each other so they can reach an agreement. Rubbing Heart: Great IdeaMeaning: You have a great idea that I have not thought of. You are participating in our discussion with unique ideas. You are being a risk taker.
What it looks like: Hand in a fist is rubbed back and forth over the heart. Rationale: This sign acknowledges relevant, original ideas and encourages students to think outside of the box. It helps teachers monitor whether students are listening to peers. Tented Hands: Explain Your ThinkingMeaning: Your meaning is not understood. Please elaborate or provide support for your ideas. State your answer or idea in a complete sentence.
What it looks like: Forearms and fingers are held straight, fingers of both hands touching under chin, forearms creating an inverted V shape. Rationale: This sign encourages students to monitor to comprehensibility of their peers. It requires students to defend their ideas and provide a rationale for their thoughts. Chopping Hand: Please StopMeaning: Stop what you are doing. What you are doing is inappropriate or I don’t like it. Leave me alone. Give me space.
What it looks like: One hand is held palm up, the other hand is held with fingers and wrist straight and chopped down, perpendicular to the palm. Rationale: Students can communicate their feelings in a way that is non confrontational and does not disrupt learning. Grabbing Thumb: Bathroom BreakMeaning: I need to leave the class to visit the bathroom
What it looks like: Hand is in fist with thumb pinched between forefinger and middle finger. Hand is shaken back and forth. Rationale: Students can ask to use the bathroom without being disruptive to others. Rased Hand: Listen To Me NowMeaning: I have something important that you immediately need to hear
What it looks like: raise hand above the head and wave it back and forth. Rationale: Students have the ability to quickly get the attention of their teacher if needed. |