Point—touch signal

Point—touch signal

Use the point—touch signal when students are looking at an item (sentence, object or number) written or projected on the whiteboard.

The teacher stands facing the students while pointing at the whiteboard.

The teacher asks the question and gives think time. During think time the teacher’s hand, with finger extended, stays motionless.

At the end of think time the teacher raises their finger four to six centimetres and then touches to the left of the item clearly and decisively. Students respond when the teacher touches to the left of the item.

The teacher avoids blocking the item on the whiteboard with their hand or arm. Another team member can help ensure that all students can see the items on the board.

Practise

What:
point-touch signal

When:
students are looking at whiteboard

Practise:

• face the students while pointing at the board
• ask a question
• pause
• raise your hand slightly, then quickly and decisively touch the whiteboard