Transition+Ideas

Transition Ideas

 * =====Music to signal changing of activities =====
 * =====Counting to signal how many minutes the students have left to finish an activity: “You have 4 left, so finish up” =====
 * =====Jumping straight into the next lesson but tying it to the previous =====
 * =====Flashing the lights =====
 * =====Begin a clapping pattern =====
 * =====“Give me 5” strategy =====
 * =====Use a bell to signal changing =====
 * =====Begin singing a song that the whole class sings to signal change =====
 * =====When changing rooms, have the students and established routine so there is a smooth transition between the rooms =====
 * =====Raise your hand and have the students raise theirs to signal transition =====
 * =====Tell the students the next upcoming activity, “Once we finish cleaning up, we will go to the rug to read”, so they already know what is expected for them to do =====

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Many times my cooperating teachers would just go from one subject to another with no transition activity. I noticed more of this type of activity in the Pre-K class I observed in. The Pre-K students seemed to need these transition activities in their day. I also did notice more in the first grade class I was placed in rather than the fourth and fifth grade classes from my first placement. I believe that if the teacher has a transition idea or a few ideas that they stick with, the transition will be smoother for the class. The teacher cannot constantly switch the signal or the students may get confused. Good point! We talk about consistency, and it does seem better for students to have a few well-learned routines. I was more interested in transition ideas when the music teacher was late, we were held back on the lunch schedule, etc., or waiting for the counselor. I needed something more than a clap or whistle to fill the time. =====