Gestures
Overview
Adding motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding. Supplementing verbal information with actions reinforces concepts and engages student Attention.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how this first grade teacher uses hand gestures to emphasize important concepts during her number line lesson. By using two modalities to interact with key information, students use both their Visual and Auditory Processing skills and also have a better understanding of where to focus their Attention.
Design It into Your Product
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Multisensory Supports Strategies
Communication boards are displays of graphics (e.g., pictures, symbols, illustrations) and/or words where learners can gesture or point to the displays to extend their expressive language potential.
Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.
Providing physical representations of numbers and math concepts helps activate mental processes.
Connecting information to music and dance can support Short-term and Long-term Memory by engaging auditory processes, Emotions, and physical activity.
Research shows physical activity improves focus and creativity.
Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a vibrating pen, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.
Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.
Transforming written text into audio activates different parts of the brain to support learning.
Tossing a ball, beanbag, or other small object activates physical focus in support of mental focus.
Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strip, help students focus and properly track as they read.
