Redding School District

Out of Seat Transitions

In your classroom students will often need to get out of their seats and move from one work area to another. With 20-40 youngsters in a room , your clear directions will minimize the opportunities for your students to socialize, wander, and disturb others. Everyone needs to move quickly and quietly so that valuable learning time is not lost. Mastering this procedure is fundamental to your classroom's success.

Goal: One-Step Out-of-Seat Transitions

The ultimate goal is to have students make the transition from one location to another in one simple step. This may take time and practice so remember to build this goal into your procedures. In time, students will be able to use their own judgement regarding how to behave during transitions, such as whether it is appropriate to throw away trash or ask questions.

Behaviors to Teach

Completing One Activity - When asked to clear their desks for a new activity, students will:
- Follow directions to complete the activity.
- Stay seated.
- Do this without talking (if needed)
Getting Ready to Move - When given directions to prepare for a new activity, students will:
- Stand up and quietly push in their chairs.
- Wait for the signal to move.
- Do this without talking. (if needed)
Moving to the Next Location - When told to go to the next location, students will:
- Follow directions.
- Walk directly to the next location.
- Do this without talking. (if needed

Loudly Narrate Student Behavior

Be sure to narrate the behavior of students who are following directions in a voice loud enough to be heard over the commotion of all the students moving around the room. By constantly using behavioral narration, you will be able to guide the students through the transition in a positive, quick, and quiet manner.

Closely Monitor Students Who have Trouble During Transitions

You will soon know which students have trouble with the lack of structure in an out-of-seat transition. You must let these students know you are withit. You may want to have these students model how to follow the directions for upcoming transitions. You may want to talk with them before the transition begins about what is going to happen so they are prepared. This may move them closer to mastering the appropriate behavior. Also keep an eye on them to narrate their appropriate behavior or to immediately correct them.

Do Not Allow Yourself to be Distracted

Out-of-seat transitions are some of the most difficult management challenges. There is no way you will be able to move all of your students quickly and quietly from one location to another unless you give your total attention to monitoring the students, narrating their behavior, and taking corrective actions as needed.

Do not be distracted by student questions or by attempting to prepare materials. Loudly narrate the behavior of students who are following directions, and quickly correct any students who are not.

Have Only Part of the Class Make Transition

If the directions or movement patterns are complex or cause students to cross each other, you may want only some students to make the transition at a time. You can start with half the students or individual team groups to make the first transition. When they have finished, ask the next group or rest of the students to follow.

Reward Students for Quick Transitions

Out-of-seat transitions can take up a good deal of valuable class rime - the quicker they are the better. Set a time limit for transitions, such as 2 minutes, and then time students to see if they can beat the clock. If they succeed, give the class a point toward a reward. Extend the challenge by encouraging students to set a new and improved time record for quicker and quieter movement.