Transitions
Transitions
Transition time can be difficult for young children and their teachers. Songs, rhymes, fingerplays, poems, and any transition can help children move from one activity or center to another. When students become familiar with just a few transitional activities they become secure in their knowledge of what comes next.
When should you use transitions?
- When gathering children for large or small group activities.
- While moving children from one activity to another.
- To fill short periods between activities.
- To grab and focus children’s attention on a task.
- When you need to refresh the group’s attention by stimulating blood flow to their brains.
Throughout the day. - When walking down the hall, students can sing songs with their inside voice, signs, or at a whisper.
Managing Changes From One Activity to Another
Starting each day with the same song for some time (2-3 weeks) is one way to start to develop a classroom routine. When informing your students about what have you planned, remember that repetition is important in giving directions.
Many transition activities should be planned throughout the day during the first day of school throughout the school year. It will help break the ice while the teacher and students become comfortable with one another. It will help to set a warm, nurturing environment which is a prerequisite before learning can take place.
Many transition activities should be planned throughout the day during the first day of school throughout the school year. It will help break the ice while the teacher and students become comfortable with one another. It will help to set a warm, nurturing environment which is a prerequisite before learning can take place.
Why should we use transitions?
- Transitions help minimize disruptions and provide smooth transitions from one activity or location to another.
- They provide clear and recurring directions.
- Embrace rituals that become part of everyday routines.
- Transition activities increase blood flow which brings fresh oxygen to the brain enhancing learning and can also function as playful teaching strategies that promote learning.
- Music is a mood enhancer, it boosts endorphins which boost attention and memory.
Examples of transitions
- Giving a five-minute warning before initiating the transitions.
- Play music as a signal to let the students know that it is time to stop what they are going and focus on the teacher.
- When you are lining up.
- A cleanup song can be used to tell the kids that it is time to clean up.
- When going down the hall it is important to remain students to be respectful of other students in the school and they can walk on their tiptoes, walk quietly with a bubble in their mouth, and using hand signals.
- End of the day transitions to send students feeling successful and positive (15 to 20 minutes) on the rug before the bell, whole group clean up, sing a song.
How Will DDIC Benefit Your Child?
