Oh transition time… it is never easy. Whether it is lining up to go outside, getting the kids to clean up or sitting on the carpet for learning time, transitions can be the most challenging time of the day!
But, I’ve got one secret weapon that works every time. The single most effective thing I do during transitions is SING! Yes, sing. Lucky for me the kids don’t care that I don’t sound like Taylor Swift! Ha! Singing transition songs are key!
Yes, Singing Works
Children tend to listen better if you take what you would just be saying and turn it into a song. So, of course I have a song for each transition that we take. I usually try to keep the songs the same, so that when they hear the start of the song, they know my expectations. I also try and keep my songs fairly short and repetitive, so the kids can sing along. And let me tell you…it works wonderfully!
So, if you find yourself getting flustered or resorting to yelling during transition time, try SINGING!
Don’t know what to sing?
If you don’t already have some transitions songs in your classroom, feel free to check out mine. I created a printable for you to print out and place on a binder ring as a reminder to SING!!!
Also, feel free to make some songs up on the fly to fit your needs. Farmer in the Dell is a great little tune to add directions to. For example: ‘It’s time to line up, it’s time to line up, hi-ho the dairy-o, it’s time to line up.’ Simple, right?
I created some transition songs cards to get you started. Feel free to grab them, put them on book ring and keep them near by.
Snag your free copy of the Preschool Transition Song Cards now by clicking the link!
