Transition Tuesday

Transitions are the most challenging part of the day for any kindergarten or pre-k classroom. The key to making your transitions run smoothly is to model, model, model. Never take for granted that your students know what to do and how to do it; you need to show them exactly what you mean and what it looks like. Each Tuesday I will be sharing a transition tip you can use in the classroom. Songs, fingerplays, games, movement activities, etc. are examples of the many transition tips you need to have in your repertoire. I suggest you create a file or ring to hold your transition ideas. As children get use to the structure of transitions you could even have a transition helper who chooses the "transition" of the day (only provide 3 - 4 choices so that it is not overwhelming). You would use that particular transition each time you change activities for that day.

Transition 1:


It is important to start each day with each child feeling loved and wanted.  A song is a great beginning! Below is a song you can use to transition children from arrival procedures to morning meeting time. As you begin singing the song, invite the children to finish their arrival activities and proceed to the meeting area.

(Sung to Mary Had A Little Lamb )

We welcome you to school today, school today, school today,

We welcome you to school today, Please come in and play.

We're glad to have you here today, here today, here today.

We're glad to have you here today,

Yes, it's a special day

(by Stephany Springer)