Utilization of Non-Verbal Communication in Kindergarten Instruction: Basis for an Intervention Plan

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the utilization of non-verbal communication for kindergarten learners in a medium-sized schools division in Northern Negros during the School Year 2024-2025 as a basis for an intervention plan. It involved 37 Kindergarten teachers who responded to the researcher-developed survey questionnaire. The purposive sample technique was employed due to the manageable total number of respondents. This study employed a descriptive research methodology. Findings showed that the demographic profile of the kindergarten teachers varies in terms of age, civil status, length of service, and plantilla position. It revealed that kindergarten teachers utilized non-verbal communication for kindergarten learners in the areas of hand signal, behavior temperature chart, and whistle discipline to a moderate extent. Younger and older kindergarten teachers used hand signal to a high and moderate extent respectively. Single teachers exhibited a high extent of utilization of hand signal compared to married teachers who display moderate extent. Teachers with shorter length of service had high extent on the use of hand signal while those teachers with longer length of service demonstrate a moderate extent. In terms of behavior temperature chart and whistle discipline, both groups of teachers display a moderate extent of utilization. In terms of plantilla position, teachers with lower rank exhibits a high extent of utilization of hand signal while those higher in rank garner moderate extent. Also, both groups of teachers have moderate extent on the use of behavior temperature chart. Meanwhile, teachers in lower rank have moderate extent and teachers in higher rank garners a low extent on the use of whistle development. The findings suggest that in order to further enhance classroom engagement and management, kindergarten teachers need to enhance their non-verbal communication skills in the areas of behavior temperature chart and whistle discipline through a proposed Learning and Development plan focusing on upskilling kindergarten teachers’ competence on the use of non-verbal communication strategies inside the classroom. Keywords: Non-verbal communication, hand signal, behavior temperature chart, whistle discipline