Transitions take up a lot of time in preschool classrooms. A first goal is to have as few group transitions as possible. A second goal is to keep children engaged and learning during transitions. Watch the video, Using Transition Time, to identify the strategies teachers use to make the most of transition times. Write your answers below and share them with your coach, trainer, or administrator.

Using Transition Time

Checking In

  1. What strategies does the teacher use to make the most of transitions?
    She provides a transition warning to the whole class. This helps them know that a change is about to happen. Then she follows up with one child to make sure he heard and understood.
  1. How could you apply this idea to your classroom?
    Provide whole-group warnings and individual warnings before every transition.

Clean Up Foreman

  1. What strategies does the teacher use to make the most of transitions?
    One child has a classroom job to help notify the other children of a transition. The teacher walks around with the child and ensures all children get the message.
  1. How could you apply this idea to your classroom?
    Consider adding a “Clean Up Helper” or “Time Keeper” to your classroom jobs.

Waiting in Line

  1. What strategies does the teacher use to make the most of transitions?
    She sings a song with the children to keep them engaged.
  1. How could you apply this idea to your classroom?
    Make sure you have a variety of songs, poems, fingerplays or other activities ready during each transition.

来的地毯

  1. What strategies does the teacher use to make the most of transitions?
    She has a countdown routine and song that the children all know. Children know what to expect and what to do.
  1. How could you apply this idea to your classroom?
    Learn similar songs and sing them every day so routines are consistent.