Preschool transition time ideas?

Question

I am in need of some ideas for a transition from either work time or small group into closeing circle. If you have any and some links would help please answer.

Answer 1

If it is work time at a table or small group at a table.  Have the children stand up behind their chairs (this way if it's the end of the day they can either stack their chairs on the table or make sure they are pushed underneath the table.)  you can have the boys go to circle, girls go to circle or children wearing red, then the children wearing blue ect.

Answer 2

For transition I play the clean up song by Shawn Brown the song is upbeat and my children love it. Another idea would be give your kids a five minute warning that it will be time to move on to something else. When we are at tables working I let my kids know they have five minutes then I play the Cd to clean up then the kids that finish go to circle time and read a book till most of the class is finished. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

I  use a CD my director got at a workshop and it is just full of transitions songs.  From cleaning up to everyone on the rug to bathroom, to even going outside.  I will have to find out the name of the cd, but songs work best.  We also use a bell, or a clapper(hand clapper) and flashing the lights.   HOpe this helps.

Answer 4

Ring a bell, triangle or a rain stick

or

Sing a song we sing Stop,look and Listen

or

Turn the the lights on and off

or

Jean Fedlman has good Cd's w/ songs for every transition during the day.

Answer 5

How about a signal like two flashes of the light switch?  This can let the children know that it's time to put away their work and move to the specified area.  You could flash the lights twice, then ask them to move to the rug for closing circle.

You could also use a song that you begin to sing as s que as well.

Answer 6

u can use a timer and when it goes off the kids will know to switch. Or u can tell the kids in 5 min. we will be going circle time then 4,3,2,1 min.

Answer 7

Read books or a cooking lesson or art