Lesson Plan
Safe Signals Group Plan
Students will learn and practice a set of nonverbal signals to request help or breaks in class, enabling them to manage needs discreetly and reduce disruptions. By lesson end, students will identify three safe signals and demonstrate their use during role-play.
Establishing a shared nonverbal communication system empowers students to ask for support without interrupting instruction, enhancing classroom flow and student self-advocacy.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Safe Signals
7 minutes
Step 3
Role-Play Activity
10 minutes
Step 4
Tracker Reflection
5 minutes
Step 5
Cool-Down Debrief
3 minutes

Slide Deck
Safe Signals: Classroom Communication
Signal 1: Hand on Heart
Signal 2: Thumbs Up
Signal 3: Hand Raised on Desk
Why Use Safe Signals?
Next Steps

Activity


Rubric

