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Literacy 4-6

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Literacy 4-6 > Strategies > Gestures

Gestures

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Overview

Adding gestures and motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding. Supplementing verbal information with actions reinforces concepts and engages student Attention.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how this fifth grade teacher uses hand gestures to emphasize important concepts during her review of place value in mathematics. By using two modalities to highlight key information, students use both their Visual and Auditory Processing skills.

  • Both teachers and students can use hand signals to communicate or support their learning. Visual gestures that complement spoken language allow for multiple ways of processing information, supporting greater retention of information in Working and Short-term Memory.

    • Design It into Your Product

  • Providing a visualization or animation in addition to audio or text activates visual Working Memory and supports deeper comprehension. Developers can also use these visualizations or enactments to capture and maintain Attention on key content.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    Body Language & Classroom Management

    NEA suggestions for teacher body language

    Examples

    Teacher Gestures

    How movement and gestures are important in the learning process

    Research

    Cognition & Memory

    Topic that includes cognitive science theories about how the brain processes information on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Research

    Prospective Memory

    Subtopic that includes research on the different ways the brain creates prospective memories on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Literacy
    Background Knowledge
    Genre Knowledge
    Morphological Knowledge
    Orthographic Processing
    Verbal Reasoning
    Vocabulary
    Cognition
    Attention
    Auditory Processing
    Inhibition & Self-regulation
    Long-term Memory
    Short-term Memory
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Physical Well-being
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status

    More Multisensory Supports Strategies

    Audiobooks

    Audiobooks allow students to hear fluent reading and to experience books above their reading skills.

    Dictation/Speech-to-text

    Dictation can allow students with transcription difficulties to still participate in the writing process and generate ideas.

    Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Manipulatives: Sentence Combining

    Full sentence manipulatives allow students to practice producing more complex Syntax and writing.

    Manipulatives: Sentence Construction

    Providing physical representations of parts of a sentence activates learners' mental processes.

    Mindfulness Breaks

    Short breaks that include mindfulness quiet the brain to allow for improved thinking and emotional regulation.

    Movement Breaks

    Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.

    Music & Dance

    Connecting information to music and dance moves enhances Short-term and Long-term Memory by drawing on auditory processes and the cognitive benefits of physical activity.

    Physical Activity & Recess

    Research shows physical activity improves focus and creativity.

    Sensory Stimulation

    Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a vibrating pen, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.

    Sound-blocking Devices

    Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.

    Text-to-speech Software

    Transforming written text into audio supports learning by activating different parts of a learner's brain for comprehension.

    Tossing Activity

    Tossing a ball, beanbag, or other small object activates physical focus in support of mental focus.

    Visual Reading Aids

    Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strips, help students focus and properly track as they read.

    Web-based Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Web-based dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as visual and audio resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Word Processing

    Research has shown that students write longer pieces with stronger quality when they use word processing software.

    Word Sorts

    Word sorts are multisensory activities that help learners identify patterns and group words based on different categories.

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