I was talking with some other teacher friends this weekend, and one brought up some fun ways to show appreciation for participation. Instead of just giving a round of applause, suggestions are taken for optional variations. For example, the Silent Yee-Haw: the index finger of the left hand is raised to the lips, while the right hand is raised in a loose fist and rotated, twirling an imaginary lariat. Another one that was kind of fun was the Firecracker Clap: bring your hands together directly in front of you and bring your hands apart in an arc wiggling your fingers as you do. A whole room doing this at once can be very appealing visually.
The teacher also commented that these techniques have also been brought into the staff meetings and cause great delight.