Transition+Ideas

Bulleted transitional ideas.

=From eHow.com=

Rhyme and Song

 * ===Teach elementary students rhymes and songs for transition times. When kids are reciting, they are getting into a rhythm that keeps momentum going from one activity to the next. The words of the rhyme and song are important -- they remind the students of what they are doing and why they are doing it. For example, when directing kindergarteners to wait their turns to wash hands in preparation for snack or lunch, they can quietly rehearse a hand washing song that explains the importance of "washing germs away."===

Jobs

 * ===Students feel important when they have __ jobs __. Assign roles -- line leader, desk monitor, chalkboard washer, shoe inspector, lunch bag checker -- to elementary school students to get them involved and accountable to each other. When students are lining up for physical education, engage the shoe checker to walk the line and inform kids about untied laces. While waiting for the school bus, enroll two or three students to close the classroom door, make sure the lunch box shelf is empty and jackets aren't left on hooks. Jobs well done earn a prize and roles are rotated fairly so that everyone gets a chance.===

Quiet Game

 * ===Challenge elementary students to be quiet while waiting for the next activity. This transition idea is especially good if children have to wait near the school office or another classroom where noise would disturb others. Whichever students are able to remain silent -- no giggling, talking or bodily noises -- earn prizes or praises. Rewards can be simple -- points, a sticker, a __ thank-you note __ or a note for the parents telling how cooperative their child was that day.===

Cracker Facts

 * ===When a teacher finds herself with more than five minutes between activities, she can lead the __ class __ in a game of cracker facts. Students remain seated at their desks while the teacher circulates around the room with a jar of pretzels or animal crackers. Students must raise their hands and, when called upon, state a fact from a topic that was studied that week. If the fact is correct, she gets a cracker and may not have another turn until everyone has had a chance. Students must remain silent and attentive while each child has a chance.===


 * ===Tell the students to take a deep breath. Hold it. Let it out slowly and silently. Do this 2-3 times until the class is quiet.===


 * ===Around the world math - If you have time between transitions, you can play this game. Two students that sit beside each other stand up. The teacher calls out a math problem (usually one from the set they've been working on that week), and whoever calls out the answer first moves on to the next person.===


 * ===Silent statue game - All the students stand up behind their desks. The teacher calls out "Freeze" or "Pose" and the students have to pick a pose to freeze in. Then the teacher watches for a few seconds to see who is the "most frozen" and whose poses she likes the most. Then she'll call out two or three winners and tell them to "Unfreeze." Then they'll start over.===


 * ===Simon Says - Get all the students to stand behind their desks. Play a quick game of Simon Says where the last instruction is "Simon says quietly sit down at your desk and get out your book/folder."===


 * ===Have the students touch their head, nose, eyes and ears to get attention.===


 * ===Have a plan for students that finish with their work earlyCard Name Game===
 * Extra worksheet
 * Reading
 * Make-up work
 * Helping another student

//Submitted by:// Hrshy210
===When I have a few minutes to spare the students love to play the “card name game.” I have all of their names written on a playing card. While seated at the carpet, I distribute one card to each child (making sure no one has their own name). When their name is called they have to say something positive about the person on the card. This has really helped them to learn about respect and treating others how they want to be treated. It is fun and only takes about five minutes.===

=Closing activity=

//Submitted by:// kristie johnson, 10-12
===As students walk in the door hand 10 scrap pieces of paper out at random. Class knows that if they get a piece of paper they have to write a comment about the class topic that day or a question they have. It may be a question a neighbor had. This gives me something to do if i wrap up early or something to start off the next class session. Check for understanding or clarification. It also allows students to ask questions anonymously as I shuffle the papers and others can grab a sheet to add to the stack.===