Case
Transitions

I have many transitions during the day in my Math and Science classroom. With so much focus on differentiation, there are many groups made and formed each day. How can I better ensure that these transitions are seamless and flow easily each time?

Posted on: 10/18/15 | Views: 1153
Solution #1
Top Solution
Preparation is key. Try to have things grouped so that students may get materials easily and with less confusion as possible. You could also make it a student's responsibility to transition from one subject to another. Whenever a student can do something, allow them. That is one less thing you have to worry about doing yourself.
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Solution #2
Have the transitions and groups posted in the room. Then, students will know where they are supposed to go and when.
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Solution #3
I would suggest that prior to a transition, you make sure that you give specific instructions. Once those instructions are given, make sure you set a time period for the transition. I usually set the timer on my promethean board. It motivates the students to handle business. Assigning individuals responsibility within the groups also helps to make transitions smooth. Students love to help!

I love the idea of setting a timer. Students really do love to help and trying to race against the clock will motivate them to get it done quickly.

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Solution #4
Practice, practice, practice! Have your transitions planned out thoroughly. Explain them to the students in easy language. Have the students practice these transitions until they are right and under a specific time limit. This will make things go a lot smoother.
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Solution #5
Be prepared and make sure the students know ahead of time which group and location they are going.
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Solution #6
What I have found to work in the classroom I am in is having an ever-changing daily agenda posted at the front of the room as well as the groupings. This will help with transitions and the students constant feeling of discombobulation. Not only will the students feel more at ease, but you as the teacher will too.
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Solution #7
I think that making transitions fun might keep the students engaged throughout the transition time period. Doing something like playing a game or making an activity for in between would keep the students occupied.
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Solution #8
Make sure that you have everything prepared for your day before they day begins. Also, review your expectations before and during transitions.
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Solution #9
Having a plan and being flexible are key.
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Solution #10
I think before you get ready to do a transition you should give clear instruction about what they are to do next, and even post the instructions on the wall in case some students forget and need a reminder.

Giving clear instructions is always good. Sometimes some students just don't understand what is expected of them.

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Solution #11
Transitions should be anticipated by students by following a daily schedule, having that schedule posted, and announcing to the class before it is the transition. During the transition students should .be well aware of the classroom procedure and have been given explicit one or two step instructions for each transition. Instead of saying "okay, it's science time!", tell the class "Put away you math notebooks and clear your desk."
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Solution #12
One possible solution to this problem is to post the groups and transitions for the students to read easily. It is important to go over these transitions in the beginning of the year until it comes almost second nature to the students. If you do need to make any changes it will be easy because the students will already have an idea of what is required of them. Be sure that all essential materials are easily accessible for the students.
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Solution #13
Tell your class the time expectation that it takes to transition and set a timer for that time. If they aren't ready in that time frame, there is a consequence.
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Solution #14
I would create a signal to let the students know it is time to transition. For example, play a song, ring a bell, or say a command. I would also let students know that once the signal to transition has been given, they must move silently to their next area or location. Offer incentives to students who do this correctly.
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Solution #15
I guess my advice would be to make sure that you are well organized and prepared for class. Color coding may help with organizing the groups as well as a posted schedule.
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Solution #16
I would suggest having the transitions posted on the students desks, this way they know exactly what is expected of them.
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Solution #17
Positive Reinforcement - reward system for good transition behaviors Class Dojo - classroom management app
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Solution #18
Is a schedule of the day posted on the wall? Go over the schedule and let students know exactly how much time they have for transitions. I would have a timer. If everyone meets the goal for transitions for the whole week, reward them with something of interest.
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Solution #19
When possible have students who work in small groups sit near to one another to cut down on transition time.

I agree that working in groups can be helpful but to transition I think students will need to know the directions and be able to handle it on their own.

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Solution #20
Create a system of how you want the transitions to go. Let your students know and remind them constantly, especially when transition occurs.
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