ABSTRACT
Though raising hands is the most common and accepted form for gaining a teacher’s attention, other methods can work as well or better. Because students often stop working when they raise their hands, offering alternative methods to signal a need for assistance keeps everyone focused and on task. Try one of the following methods and find related ideas under Help Desk.
Green/Red Circles. Cut circles out of green and red paper. Glue the circles together so that one side is green and the other red, laminate, and give one to each student. Students start on green. When they have a question, they flip the circle to red while continuing to work on the task as they can. The teacher scans the room and moves to students who have a red circle.
Green/Red Cups. Cups work well in areas such as a computer lab where it may be difficult to see hands. The red cup sits inside the green cup and rests on the desk or computer top. When assistance is needed, students simply change the order of the cups.
