How to Use Handshakes in the Classroom: I once had a super amazing babysitter who memorized The Parent Trap handshake with me. In case you’re unfamiliar, the handshake occurs in iconic scene in the move (the full clip is inserted below.) Annie is a young girl from London headed to summer camp in the states for 8 weeks. Before leaving, she and her butler commence in a darling handshake sequence.
My babysitter and I replayed this clip over and over. Rewinding our VCR multiple times to ensure we had the sequence down just right.
I’ve always loved that scene. And I’ve always loved the symbol of closeness special handshakes hold. Thus, it’s no wonder I love using handshakes with my students!
What are Classroom Handshakes?
In essence, classroom handshakes are a unique series of movements created individually with each student.
The teacher and student use this handshake to greet one another daily.
Why use Handshakes in the Classroom?
Just as in The Parent Trap, special handshakes are a sign of a bond. It’s evident there is mutual admiration and connection present. This alone is reason enough to make them a part of your classroom!
The process of creating and using the handshake daily will reinforce the bond and create a special connection between you are your student.
Handshakes are also the perfect greeting to start the day with. Students will look forward to seeing you and using their handshake! Additionally, they can be used at dismissal for saying farewell.
Who Started this Trend?
I love to give credit where credit is due, but in this case, I’m not sure who started the trend! I recall watching a video of a middle school teacher using this concept for all of her different preps during the day. Of course, I was extremely impressed. I knew I would use the idea right away!
Many others have gone before me in using this idea. I’ll link a few of them below.
How to Introduce Handshakes
As with everything, I recommend introducing ideas that require buy in (such as this,) with excitement and confidence. Students will downplay the concept if you make it seem unimportant.
Personally, I find it best to show students a video (as linked above) of a past class doing their handshakes with me. This shows them other students have enjoyed this process in the past and creates excitement in them to create their own.
Setting Up the Movements
After watching the video, I tell students to start brainstorming 2-3 movements for designing our own shake!
Further, I’ll explain a handful of movement options to get their wheels turning. This includes:
- Foot taps
- High-Five
- Double High-Five
- Side Claps
- Spin
- Knee Bumps
- Dab
- Elbow taps
- Hip Bumps
- Hug
- The Wave
- Fist Bump
- Curtsey
- …and so on!
The Creation Process
While students brainstorm their choices, I play soft music and have them complete independent work. Typically, because I start this during the first days of school, students work on an “About Me” packet.
Next, I call them over one at a time with a pen and a notepad nearby. I ask them what ideas they have and suggest options if they struggle to decide. Some students will come up full of ideas and others will need support.
For those with ideas galore, I help them narrow to 2-4 movements max. For those with no ideas, I’ll phrase choices such as “Should we start with a knee bump or an elbow bump?” until we start making progress.
Once we have our handshake, I write it down next to their name, movement by movement. Below is an example of what I wrote last year:
| Student | Handshake Moves |
| Evie | curtsey/hug |
| Jasper | fist bump cross (left right)/flare hands |
| Dominic | side claps/fist bump cross to flare/hug |
| Madison | foot taps/spin/hug |
Practice Makes Perfect
Lastly, its time to practice the handshakes daily until they become second nature! Many teachers ask me how I manage to recall each student’s handshakes, but I promise, it comes naturally over time and doesn’t feel hard!
Those with hundreds of middle school students will definitely have a harder time, but I know it can be done if desired!
During the first weeks of school, you’ll find my notepad at the classroom door with me as I greet my students. When they arrive, I glance at my notes and say “Good Morning (insert name!) Let’s go over our handshake.”
Students will love this process. You may even find they start creating handshakes with one another as well, which is precious! Most days, we also do our handshakes before dismissal. Some days when time is short, we omit them.
Handshakes Step by Step
Finally, let’s review the handshake process step by step:
- Show students Handshake Video Example
- Give movement ideas
- Task students with choosing their movements
- Call students over individually to create their shake
- Write down the final handshake steps
- Practice the shake until you’ve memorized it!
Now you’re ready to take on handshakes in the classroom! Do let me know how it goes if you decide to give it a try.
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When do you partake in these handshakes. Is it as soon as students get to your classroom door, once the tardy bell rings, or when you are about to start your morning meetings?