A teacher asked me the other day " How do I help my children in transitions? Especially for those who have a hard time transitioning from one activity to another" Here are some ideas that may help:
* Picture schedules - creating a schedule with picture cards will help them associate with the verbal cues and directions. Children can take the picture card to match up with the next activity.
* Do some stand up games that may allow for large gross motor movements? - for example: Simon says, What can you do?
* A fun math/vocab game folder - a folder that has laminated game boards for 1-3 players that may take 10-15 mins to play
* free art space - have some paints/ paper available for children to do a quick drawing or craft in between activities
* journal writing - a time for reflection or review of what they learned, can ask them to write down some questions? or about how they are feeling?
* water/snack break - you'll be surprised how often when a child is hungry is when they start acting up with tantrums and become less focused on the activity. A quick snack break will help them refuel themselves for the next activity.
* use songs to help with transitions - from circle time to snack time to outside time. Sing a song that helps them prepare for the next activity.
Keep in mind to give warnings for transitions - " after we finish reading this book we'll be cleaning up for math time" - knowing what to expect will make transitions more manageable. Furthermore, keeping a regular schedule and routine will help in smooth transitions.
* Picture schedules - creating a schedule with picture cards will help them associate with the verbal cues and directions. Children can take the picture card to match up with the next activity.
* Do some stand up games that may allow for large gross motor movements? - for example: Simon says, What can you do?
* A fun math/vocab game folder - a folder that has laminated game boards for 1-3 players that may take 10-15 mins to play
* free art space - have some paints/ paper available for children to do a quick drawing or craft in between activities
* journal writing - a time for reflection or review of what they learned, can ask them to write down some questions? or about how they are feeling?
* water/snack break - you'll be surprised how often when a child is hungry is when they start acting up with tantrums and become less focused on the activity. A quick snack break will help them refuel themselves for the next activity.
* use songs to help with transitions - from circle time to snack time to outside time. Sing a song that helps them prepare for the next activity.
Keep in mind to give warnings for transitions - " after we finish reading this book we'll be cleaning up for math time" - knowing what to expect will make transitions more manageable. Furthermore, keeping a regular schedule and routine will help in smooth transitions.