Why The Word ‘Go’ Is An Effective Classroom Management Strategy

Do your students begin moving before you finish giving directions?

Do they turn in their seats, reach for materials, or begin standing and conversing with classmates before you even finish talking?

Do you find yourself gradually raising your voice, trying to get in that last bit of instruction before the din overtakes you?

The fact is, as soon as your students think they understand what you want, they’re gone—mentally and often physically moving on before they really understand what is expected of them.

We all do this to some degree. It’s human nature. But the effect it has on teaching and learning can be devastating.

Yet day after day teachers continue to talk over their students, hoping that this time they’re going to get it, that this time there won’t be a dozen hands in the air, a rash of misbehaviors, and half the class confused or off topic.

The truth is they’re never going to get it.

Unless, that is, you make one simple adjustment.

The ‘Go’ Strategy

The ‘go’ strategy is a simple and effective way to stop your students from moving on—mentally or otherwise—until you’ve finished explaining all of your directions.

Here’s how it works. Just before giving your directions insert this one statement: “When I say ‘go’ I want you to…” (Then give your directions.)

As soon you finish talking, pause a moment or two and say, “Go!” By giving this particular verbal cue, your students will learn to wait and listen until all directions are given before getting to work.

Here’s why it works:

It removes anticipation.

When your students know they have to wait for your ‘go’ signal before starting their work, they can relax and focus their energy on understanding your directions. They’ll no longer be in hurry to rush off.

The ‘go’ signal stops them from thinking ahead, removing the natural tendency to anticipate and predict what you want instead of really listening and understanding what you want.

It becomes a habit.

Over time your students will become so accustomed to waiting for your signal that it becomes a habit—something they never have to think about. The words, when I say go will be a red alert that what comes next is especially important.

Of course, like any classroom routine or procedure, the ‘go’ strategy must be taught, modeled, and practiced thoroughly before heightened listening becomes the natural reaction.

It allows you to assess their understanding.

Good teaching requires you to know your students understand what you want before releasing them for independent or group work. Using a ‘go’ signal will enable you to give your directions to a patient and receptive audience.

Also, despite how well you taught your lesson, it gives you one last pause to assess their understanding. During the short few moments before saying ‘go,’ you’ll be able to see the understanding—or lack thereof—in their eyes. With practice, this last visual check becomes remarkably accurate.

It triggers action.

The word ‘go’ is itself a direction, one that initiates immediate action. It gets students moving swiftly toward the goals your directions have set for them. It tells them to get to work learning right now.

Without a signal, you’ll have students rushing off prematurely, for sure, but you’ll also have those who will sit there like a bump on a log, with nothing short of your frustrated verbal intervention to push them into action.

Sound Teaching

Adding a ‘go’ signal will improve listening and learning in your classroom tenfold, but it must be preceded by sound, passionate teaching.

Show your students what you want. Break down what you expect in clear steps they can refer to on an easel or Promethean board. Make them prove they get it with partial practice, student modeling, or role-play.

Confirm their understanding with one last visual check.

Then give your ‘go’ signal and get out of their way.

Note: The ‘go’ signal can also be used for simple, everyday directions. For example, “When I say ‘go’ I want you to stand up, push in your chair, and line up for lunch.”

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