- Definition
A gesture is a body movement, like a wave or a nod, that helps us show what we're thinking or feeling without using words.
Waving goodbye is a gesture that means 'farewell'.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A gesture is like playing charades, where you use your body to show an idea instead of speaking it.
Ask your child: How would you show me 'come here' without using any words?
Common mix-up: Kids might think gestures are just random wiggles. A gesture is a specific movement that carries a meaning, like a silent word.
Examples
- Pointing at a toy you want is a gesture.
- Giving a thumbs-up to show you agree.
- Shrugging your shoulders to show you don't know.
gesture is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+7 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
