The Quiet Sign

I am a big fan of this tradition. I am still amazed that I can quiet a room of 500 girl scouts with a quiet sign. If taught correctly and enforced you will also find it catches on and things get quiet with out yelling or a whistle (not a fan).

Quoted from gsusa... "The original quiet sign used an open hand with all 5 fingers above their head to get the group’s attention and get the girls to stop talking. The number 5 represents the 5th Law of the first GS Law that represented courtesy. Explain this to the girls that when they are quiet so everyone can be heard, it is being courteous." I still use the traditional 5 finger quiet sign.

If you use the 3 finger quiet sign you should explain it stands as a reminder of the third GS Law "considerate and caring".

The important part of teaching this concept is that you need to make clear what it means and begin using it immediately and many times throughout your first few meetings. Let them know that when you but your arm up and are quiet (never talk while you hold the quiet sign is up), then they are also to raise their arm in the same manner and NOT TALK. You will need to be aware that you will probably have to stand there with your arm up for a few minutes the first dozen or so times you use it, but once they get it, it works wonders!

My older girls decided that the 2 minutes it takes for my large troop to become quiet is too long so a cadette who is the parliamentarian upon seeing my hand up says "when the hand goes up" and the rest of the girls answer with "the mouth goes shut". I do not allow this to be used at other events or ceremonies but they enjoy doing it at our meetings (girl led, lol).