Transitions in the Classroom
Ideas to make your transitions effortless
The Behind the Scenes Prep Work
Post Transition Norms and Procedures to review with students (minimal talking, no loitering, close computer lids and carry with both hands, etc.)
Physical Layout of your rooms lends itself to easier transition movement by students. If your classroom does not have the required space for easy movement then, have the activity rotate NOT the group (may help certain groups)
Start with one rotation to begin with until students are able to transition effectively and understand classroom procedure and norms for transitions between stations or activities
Timers
Online Stopwatch: http://www.online-stopwatch.com/
Egg Timer: http://e.ggtimer.com/
Other cues to get them to move
“Whistle While You STOP” whistle by mouth or use a whistle to prompt them to move. They must be seated by the time you stop.
Hand signals, verbal phrases, Echo, Slowly Flicker lights to signal stations will end in designated amount of time and then use music to move between stations
Check out this teacher in action
Anticipation
Provide anchor activities in case students get done before a station ends.
Fluid transitions: Students transition to a new activity as they complete their current activity (personalized learning).