Implementation Procedure

1- Exclusive use of Voice tends to be neutralized especially when the voice is overused to illicit responses from children.

2-Two claps and a non-verbal hand signal cause kids to look for clues to behave. I recommend that you use the verbal command along with the non-verbal clue in the early stages of learning the clue. Always use with autistic children because of their need to hear language.

3- Non-verbal clues are very clear and leave little open for interpretation of what was requested.

4- Non-verbal “Secret Codes” really bring about a favorable response from difficult children. They really like the idea that they are the only one that knows the code plus it insures that discipline focus is private and confidential thus building trust and confidence.

5- Make sure that non-verbal clues include a “get attention” signal before you give the clue. (Clapping hands) Your signal has to be above their noise level then bring the noise back down to a calm level.

6- Teach the entire class as many non-verbal clues as they can learn. We teach over 20 in our National Seminar “Discipline and the Difficult Child”. Expect the children to use the non-verbal clues with each other.

7- The most frequent non-verbal signs used are:

a. Your responsibility not mine.

b. Are you ready?

c. Follow directions the first time given.

d. Focus 1.

e. Time out.