What is Body Language? Definition: Body Language is communication through gestures or attitudes. Webster"s Dictionary, 1997 Why is it important for teachers to know and use? Most people remember more of what they see than what they hear. We retain vivid images of facial expressions and body behavior. Body language usually dose not lie. We can build trust with our students by showing them that our actions will be in sync with our words. Alert teachers watch their students" movements, actions, and emotions and use what they see to adjust their teaching methods to be effective with their lessons. By...
or around your desk all of the time. Whether they realize it or not, some teachers use their desk as a wall of protection or symbol of authority in the classroom. This is a barrier for student/teacher communication. Teachers need to constantly circulate around the room to communicate with their students.

Talking with individuals while the class is working can be very distracting. Learn to develop nonverbal communication with your students to let them know that you approve smile, nod, hand signal, wink, etc. or disapprove raised eyebrow, pause and look, shaking head, frown, etc. of their behavior or work.