Let’s Talk Transitions!

Transitioning into different parts of the day can sometimes be difficult for both children and teachers… so we believe it also may be a difficult time for parents at home as well. We wanted to share with you a few tips that we use in our classrooms that could also be used at home to help you and your children move into different parts of your day.

Here is the best way to plan and think about transitions to have ZERO tears!

1. Plan fun ways to move from one space or activity to another.
2. Create a list of your favorite transition ideas.
3. Include transition ideas on your daily lesson plan.
4. Give a warning before the transition is about to happen.
5. Vary your transition times to be learning times.
7. Consider transition times to be learning times.
8. Post your daily routine so children know what’s next.

Now that you have a good idea of some ideas on how to help children with transitions, let’s take a look at a few examples:

Ideas for transitions:

1. Name a movement from children
   1. Quiet: tiptoe, creepy, spy, sneak
   2. Loud: march, drive, bounce, trot, leap
2. Ask children to “Move like a …”
   1. Monkey, snake, bus, airplane, rocket, robot
3. Gain children’s attention by changing the tone or quality of your voice.
   1. Talk like a monster, pirate, opera singer or announcer.
4. During waiting times, keep a steady beat on your knees or shoulders as you say favorite nursery rhymes.
5. Instead of having children wait in line, “circle up” and have fun by retelling short stories.
   1. The Three Little Pigs, The Gingerbread Man
6. Create your own stories using children’s names from your classroom.
   1. “While driving to school one day, Alex say…”

These are just a few ideas that can help you at home when you are transitioning into a new part of your day. If you have something that works for you at home and you would like to share with families, please comment below! We would love to hear what works for you and your children!