In need of transition ideas for the classroom!! Teachers please help!?

Question

I am an education major and I am working on a project that requires me to think of transition activities. I plan on teaching first grade. So if anyone has any ideas, please help.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I do teach 1st grade and transitions are a very hard part of the day.  I would suggest using as many of the students as possible during transitions.  For example, assigning tasks for specfic students (passing out papers, collecting materials, etc.).  To quicken student trasnsitions I sometimes count down from 10 or set a timer for  a certain amount of seconds.  Occasionally i ask review questions during a transition time or we say a poem/sing a song.  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I'm a big fan of using songs and music to transition between activities, it gives the kids a better idea of how long they have to switch and they love singing!  Sometimes I will have a "key" to move on to the next thing.  For example, the key to get to the carpet is the answer to 4+5.  Each student comes up and tells me and if they are right they get to go.  And of course, the little chants, "Clap once if you can hear my voice, clap twice if you can hear my voice", etc.  Good luck!