Transitions #1

Transitions are those times between activities when children are changing activities.  This is a great time to use transition songs and finger plays.

Why use finger plays, filler activities, and transition songs?

·      To allow for moving time while waiting.

·      To prevent behavior problems caused by boredom

·      To allow children to leave the group one at a time without disruptions.

·      To reinforce concepts and skills.

·      To help maintain teacher sanity.

·      To build higher level thinking skills in all subject matter.

How can you plan for effective transitions?

·      Use a signal.

·      Vary the start time: Don’t send all the children to do one thing at the same time (bathroom, washing hands, putting on coats, lining up).

·      Be sure children KNOW where they are going or what they are doing next.

·      Have another adult waiting to receive the children.

·      Plan short simple filler activities.

What do you do with “Waiting Transitions”?

·      Use songs like …“Touch your nose, touch your nose, etc.” 

·       Use imitation…“Look I am a horse, watch me gallop, now you do it.”

·      Use finger tricks…“Look at my finger go up, go behind”…

·      Include vigorous motor activity…“Let’s do jump ups,” etc.

 

What do you do with “Moving Transitions”?

·      To let children move as they complete their previous task.

·      You can use ropes to move from one place to another.

·      Use imagineering…“Let’s imagine that we are airplanes. Fly, Fly…”

Use the comment box to suggest transitions that have worked well for you!