Nonverbal communication
Non verbal communication is important for creating meaning when using oral language.
Gestures are an important aspect of nonverbal communication. Gestures include:
• descriptive gestures that portray attributes such as:
– shape, eg tracing a circle in the air to indicate roundness
– location, eg showing the position ‘behind’ by placing one hand behind the other
– speed, eg rotating finger in small circles to indicate ‘faster’ or ‘hurry up’
– texture, eg running finger across skin to indicate ‘smooth’
– appearance, eg pulling eyes down to indicate ‘tired’
• representational gestures that stand for an object, animal, person or action, for example:
– two fingers for rabbit ears
– tipping an imaginary cup near mouth to indicate ‘drink’
• conventional gestures or emblems, for example:
– holding index finger to lips to indicate ‘shh-quiet’
– clapping
– waving
– holding hand up with palm out to indicate ‘stop’
– holding thumb up to indicate ‘OK’
• emphatic or emotional gestures, for example:
– hand movements that accompany the rhythm of speech and add emphasis
– gestures such as hands to mouth to show surprise.
Teachers can support students’ understanding and use of gestures by:
• using gestures with key words (this also supports the understanding of words)
• teaching the form, meaning and purpose of gestures
• explaining how gestures support thinking, communication and memory
• providing opportunities for students to use gestures in role-plays.
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Support Materials for Students with Special Education Needs
English K–6
Speaking and listening
IMPLEMENTATION
