A teacher’s hands are a huge extension of their emotions and can play a large part in classroom management. Oft times excess energy can flow through the hands and create an additional problem while controlling the hands can keep situations calmer. For example:

When a student misbehaves, a teacher who uses her hands to display her frustration (open hands thrown up in frustration or finger pointing to the student or to the place the student should be with large arm movement as well) is emphasizing her point with non-verbal cues. What she is saying is:

I’m so frustrated right now!

Why can’t you follow the rule?!

Would you just do as you are told!!!

In response, the teachers voice often raises, along with her blood pressure, stress level and not too surprising, the student’s response is negative as well.

In contrast, when a student misbehaves, if a teacher were to just control her hands, a lot would change in the exchange. Instead of throwing her hands in emphasis, the teacher clasps her hands together in a calming and controlled manner. Now her stress has an outlet, she can relax her shoulders and keeping her voice quiet direct the student to the appropriate task.

By controlling the hands, the teacher is able to control the tone of voice, the attitude and in turn the student will often respond more respectfully, and the situation diffuses quicker.

Related posts:

1. Sarcasm in the Classroom
2. How to Calm Students Down
3. 101 Classroom Management Tips
4. Success Story: Whisper Teaching
5. Speak Softly