is a "no no" in our school. How do I implement the hand raising rule for WBT?

When you say it's a "NO NO" what exactly do you mean?

We are not allowed to use hand raising in our classroom.

What are the kids supposed to do to respond? Do they all shout out at once? Give us a picture of your required procedures, and then we can help!

dsweigel wrote:


We are expected to do various things such as popsicle sticks but are told "don't rely on them too much" but also collaborative learning. We have our students talk with a partner and/or with their group. I don't disregard these other ways but I now have a theory as to why we have such a problem with kids shouting out answers and talking out of turn and that is because they have never learned a hand in the air is letting a teacher know they wish to speak.

Anyway, I want to implement those classroom rules off here but not sure how I can justify the hand raising. It was told to us as well that hand raising leads to disengagement of students but aren't students going to disengage themselves whenever they feel like it?

Well, WBT follows a similar line of thinking...we don't want our kids to raise their hands to answer questions during a lesson, because, you're right-- they disengage. We want to call on any kid at any time, and make our classroom a place where kids can celebrate when they can demonstrate they understand ("Woo!") and where they know it's ok if they don't fully understand the first time ("It's cool!"). However, if a child in your room wants to speak during a time where they are not supposed to be speaking freely, how do they indicate this to you?
If there is no signal for the kids to give to you when they want to speak during a time that may otherwise be inappropriate, then that's probably an issue that the teachers and administration may need to address, as I'm guessing it leaves teachers with no real way to help kids control themselves when they have something to say. Think about it, if you're a kid, and there is no signal to tell the teacher you want to speak, you'd probably just blurt it out, because what else can you do to make sure you are heard? I would assume that, without a silent signal of "I have something to say / ask", you have kids speaking out of turn and calling out all over the place.

Now-- since 'hand-raising' has a pretty taboo connotation in your school, give them a different signal, such as making a fist and holding it in front of them, or something like that. Then, your Rule 1 can be "Make a fist for permission to speak." or whatever you choose.... maybe making a "thumbs-up" sign that they touch to their shoulder...any signal would work. Hand-raising is nice because it's so obviously sticking out of the crowd, but you can find a different signal that works. Whatever it is, students should have some way to let you know they'd like to speak, have a question, or need to request something when it's during a time that kids are asked not speak freely.

And...as far as kids disengaging when they feel like it, well, that's what all this is for! Your WBT journey begins a lovely time in your classroom where the kids can't HELP but be engaged, because you leave them no time to disengage (and most end up not wanting to anyway, because they're having so much silly fun.)

This is a tough situation for you to be in, but I'm sure if you talked with your administration and explained that you'd like your students to be able to give you an orderly signal that they have something to say, that you'd be supported. In the end, if they don't support any signal indicating a desire to speak or ask a question, then you'll have to throw Rule 1 out...but I bet it won't last forever. I don't see how they can't see that it's necessary for a classroom to remain organized and efficient, optimized for learning.

Thank you for all of that! I will try some different types of "hand raising" when they want to say something that is not an answer to a question I posed. I like the fist idea, too.

@ April~ I do think what your administration is getting at is how students answer your questions~ as opposed to students asking you a question or telling you a need that they have. You obviously need to raise your hand in those situations~ otherwise kids will just be shouting out (like they already are) or just getting up out of their seats whenever they want. On top of Jackie's suggestions~ couldn't you explain that Rule #2: "Raise your hand for permission to speak" is not the same as "Raise your hand for permission to answer my question." And further explain that Rule 2 & 3 are for whenever they have a question, or they have an emergency and they either need to tell you about it or get up out of their seat?
Just a thought.

Andrea and April, coach B brought up an interesting practice I am going to work hard at. Instead of always having children raise hands to answer, just call on them. Like...John, what is a noun... and if John doesn't know or can not answer he uses "help me". I think I am changing up an old practice for better results.
Annette:-)

As I read Jackie's answer she nailed it. If you have children talking because the are taking YOU of task by disagreeing with you,, may try a quick talk with your partner about....kids who do this are practiced at the art of catching you in a loop of off topic time. They are genius at this skill.