Speaking Signal CardsSpeaking Signal Cards Cut these cards out and laminate them for daily use. Use them to signal when it's time to talk or listen. My Turn I can share my ideas now! GO Wait I raise my hand and wait to be called. PAUSE Listening I am listening to my teacher or friends. STOP Quiet Time My voice is off while I work. FOCUS How to use these cards On the desk: Tape the current signal to the corner of the desk. On a ring: Keep all four cards on a binder ring for quick flipping. Teacher Cue: The teacher can point to the card on the student's desk as a non-verbal reminder.
Conversation Captain ScheduleConversation Captain Schedule My map for knowing when to talk and when to listen. Name My Goal Today ActivityMy SignalWhat do I do?Morning CirclePauseRaise hand and wait for my turn to share.Teacher LessonStopEyes on teacher, ears listening, voice off.Quiet WorkingFocusZero voice. Focus on my own paper.Small Group / CentersGoTalk quietly with my team about the task. Hand Raising Power-Up Check a box every time you raise your hand and wait to be called on! Captain's Review I followed the signal colors. I waited for my turn to speak. I was a champion listener!
Communication Captain Teacher GuideCommunication Captain Teacher Implementation Guide The Concept The Communication Captain system is designed to provide clear, visual expectations for students who struggle with verbal impulse control and conversational turn-taking. By externalizing the "internal" rules of the classroom, we reduce the cognitive load on the student and provide a non-verbal way for teachers to redirect behavior. 1. Preparation Laminate the Speaking Signal Cards. Attach them to a binder ring or use adhesive velcro to swap them on the student's desk. Fill out the Conversation Captain Schedule with the student's specific daily routine. Use the signal colors that match the cards. 2. Introduction Introduce the "Captain" persona. Explain that a good Captain knows when to give orders (Go) and when to listen to the fleet (Stop). Model each signal. Practice "Wait/Pause" by having the student raise their hand while you count to five before calling on them. In-the-Moment Strategies Non-Verbal Cues Instead of saying "shhh" or "don't interrupt," simply point to the current Signal Card on the student's desk. Positive Narration "I see our Communication Captain is in 'Stop' mode, eyes on me and ears ready. Great job!" The Power-Up Encourage the student to check off a box on their tracker immediately after a successful "Wait/Pause" interaction. Troubleshooting What if they still interrupt? Avoid a power struggle. Quietly tap the card and move on. Review the schedule together during a calm moment later in the day. How to fade the support? Once the student is consistently following the signals, move the cards from the desk to a smaller "cheat sheet" in their folder or notebook.
Communication Captain SlidesCommunication Captain Mastering the signals of speaking and listening What is a Captain? A Communication Captain is the leader of their own voice. Knowing when it's time to share ideas. Knowing when it's time to listen. Using signals to help everyone learn. The Green Signal GO My Turn It is time to talk! Share your answer Talk to a partner Ask a question The Yellow Signal PAUSE Wait Think then Raise Hand I have an idea to share I wait for my name My voice is quiet until called The Red Signal STOP Listening Eyes & Ears Ready Teacher is talking A friend is sharing I am learning from others The Blue Signal Focus Quiet Time Zero Voice Work Working on my paper Concentration time Helping my brain grow Are you ready? Let's be Communication Captains!
Focus Signal CardsFocus Signal Cards Use these to show your friends when you are working and when you are ready to talk. Social Time I am ready to talk and work with my friends! OPEN Check First Ask me if I can talk before you start whispering. ASK ME In the Zone I am working hard. Please don't distract me! BUSY Space Shield Please stay in your space so I can stay in mine. SPACE Using Focus Signals This works best when both the student AND their neighbors use the cards! Signal Check: Before talking to a friend, look at their card. Respect the Red: If a friend's card is Red (Busy), wait until it turns Green. Shields Up: Use the Blue card if you need a little more physical room.
Focus Captain Map ScheduleFocus Captain Map Knowing when to work hard and when to talk with friends. Name My Focus Goal ActivityFocus SignalThe "No-Distraction" RuleReading TimeBusyEyes on my book. My voice and body are still.Math WorkshopAsk MeWorking quietly. Check before talking to a peer.Science GroupsOpenCollaborating with friends. Sharing tools politely.Moving RoomsSpaceKeep hands to myself. Walk in my own bubble. Respecting Space Tracker Color a bubble every time you stay in your own space and let friends work! Focus Captain Review I used my signals correctly. I respected my friends' cards. I stayed in my focus zone.
Focus Captain Teacher GuideFocus Captain Teacher Implementation Guide The Concept The Focus Captain system is a peer-boundary management tool. It empowers students to signal their own availability while teaching them to respect the boundaries of others. This system is particularly effective for students who struggle with physical proximity (personal space) or who frequently interrupt peers during focused work. 1. Setup Laminate the Focus Signal Cards. While the target student needs a set, it is highly recommended to give neighboring students a set as well to make the system reciprocal. Use the Focus Captain Map to define specific "Quiet Zones" or "Social Zones" during the school day. 2. Modeling Model "The Shield." Show how the Space card isn't mean—it's just a way to say, "I need my bubble right now." Practice "Respecting the Red." Walk around the room and have the student identify which peers are "Busy" and should not be disturbed. Engagement Strategies The Space Bubble If the student is crowding a peer, point to the peer's Space card (or your own) as a visual prompt to step back. Social Appointments If a student wants to talk during "Busy" time, write down a "Social Appointment" for the next "Open" time on a sticky note. The Desk Map Tape a small square on the floor around the student's desk. This visual "Shield" helps them see where their space ends and others' begin. Troubleshooting What if peers ignore the cards? The system only works if the whole "fleet" follows the rules. Spend a few minutes in a whole-class meeting explaining the signals to everyone. Rewarding Success Use the Boundary Tracker on the schedule. 10 colored bubbles could equal a "Focus Captain" badge or 5 minutes of extra "Open" time.
Focus Captain SlidesFocus Captain Protecting your focus and respecting your friends What is a Focus Captain? A Focus Captain helps everyone get their work done. Protecting your own "In the Zone" time. Giving friends the space they need to learn. Being a champion of the "Quiet Zone." The Green Signal Open Social Time Ready for Teamwork! Working with a partner Talking during centers Sharing supplies together The Yellow Signal Ask Me Check First Respect the Focus "Is it okay if I talk now?" Waiting for a "Yes" Keeping whispers very low The Red Signal Busy In the Zone No Distractions Voice is at Zero Eyes are on my own work Letting friends concentrate The Blue Signal Space Space Shield The Power Bubble Hands and feet to myself Staying in my own desk area Respecting friend bubbles Focus check! I am a Focus Captain! I help my friends grow.