Transitions and Routines

Inside this Article:

• Transitions in the Classroom
• Components of Effective Transitions
• Creative Ideas for Establishing Routines
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TRANSITIONS IN THE CLASSROOM

For many teachers, transitions in the classroom can be stressful and challenging to manage. This is a common area of frustration as many elementary students, particularly those with attention or behavior problems, have difficulty making transitions in the classroom. Throughout the day, there are many transitions and routines taking place.

Common examples of routines and transitions in the classroom can include:

• Coming into the classroom in the morning
• Morning work/breakfast in the classroom
• Changing academic subjects or moving from seated work to carpeted space
• Lining up to go to art, music, library, or physical education class
• Going to and returning from lunch and recess
• Packing to leave at the end of the day
• Free time after finishing an assignment

Establishing clear routines and expectations creates predictability, maximizes learning time, and reduces disruptive behavior. Use the ideas in this newsletter to improve transitions for you and your students.

COMPONENTS OF EFFECTIVE TRANSITIONS

1. First, secure the full attention of all students in the classroom
2. Clearly explain and specifically define the procedures or steps for completing the transition
   • Keep steps simple and direct
   • Post a list of the steps in the classroom to reference; use pictures for younger children
3. Review the expectations/steps prior to the start of the transition
4. Initiate the transition with a signal
   • Turn light off/on, song, wind chime, hand gesture
5. Stand in close proximity to students who may struggle with transitions
6. Acknowledge or reward smooth transitions, both for individual students and class-wide

CREATIVE IDEAS FOR ESTABLISHING ROUTINES

• Post the procedures in the classroom with visuals/pictures of what the routine(s) look like; you can take pictures of students modeling the steps
• Model transition steps and have students practice and rehearse them in the classroom
• Use catchy phrases that help children remember (e.g., “Hands on hips, bubbles on lips” or “criss-cross applesauce”)
• Give students a warning and set a timer to let them know they will be transitioning
• Use sign language (e.g., 1 finger up = water, 2 = restroom, 3 = question, 4 = work is finished)
• Use music and movement during transition times
  • Incorporate a song or chant
  • When you clap 3 times, have students respond by clapping 3 times
  • Consider having the students vote on a signal or song

PUTTING THE NEWS TO USE

Create specific routines and procedures for the most problematic areas or times of the day (e.g., morning arrival or afternoon departure, transitions between activities, transitions out of the classroom, accessing help, what to do after work is completed).

RESOURES

Classroom Transitions – YouTube

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