ABSTRACT
Children begin to learn and understand the complicated signs and signals of non-verbal communication from a very early age. The concept of non-verbal reinforcement continues right through the school years and into adulthood. Non-verbal reinforcement is increasingly evident on every high street throughout the community. Schools already use all kinds of non-verbal communication, such as students' charters, school policies and classroom rules. More often than not, these all appear as written documents. Rules are accessed through websites and school handbooks and are also displayed on classroom noticeboards. The use of relevant and eye-catching visual material that does not rely solely on the use of written language can be powerful and effective in reinforcing the rules, boundaries and reward systems in a school environment. It is important to be aware that, like verbal reinforcement, the effectiveness will be greatly reduced by familiarity.
