Introduction: In-Seat Transitions
Throughout the school day, you will often need your students to switch from one activity to another while in their seats. These transitions are not an opportunity to socialize, wander around the room, or become disruptive. Students must learn to move quickly and quietly from one task to another. Successful transitions are fundamental to a well-managed classroom that focuses on learning.
Preventive Management Strategies:
Use attention-getting signal - Before you give directions for any transition, you must have the full attention of all students. Using your attention-getting signal will help you make sure all students are focused on you and listening to you.
Chunk and model in-seat transitions for younger students - present in-seat transitions in two steps. For younger students, model the first step and check for understanding before moving on to the next step.
Make sure students have all of the materials for the next activity - to make the transition between activities smoother and allow you to focus on the lesson, make sure students have all of the materials they will need for the next activity. (team baskets, student helpers pick-up materials, other distribution techniques)
Make sure you are ready for the next activity - keep the pace of the classroom moving, You do not want students sitting and waiting while you rummage through your briefcase or flip through files looking for the materials you will need to teach the next activity. Have all of the materials you will need for the next activity close at hand and ready to use to prevent down time that could lead to classroom disruptions.
Do not be distracted by student questions or comments - as soon as you tell the students to transition, some will inevitably raise their hands to ask a "vital" question. Be careful not to be distracted from monitoring the transition. Walk around the classroom as students put materials away and take other materials out. Continue to narrate behavior and use eye contact to motivate students who need a nudge. A smooth transition is as much your responsibility as it is the students' responsibility.
Have a plan for students who forget materials - some students will forget to bring materials back to school or will misplace them. Have a backup plan in place to handle this so time is not wasted and all students can stay on task. When students cannot find or do not have the right materials, let them borrow from an extra supplies cubby or share with a neighbor. Don't argue about the student not being prepared since this will cause disruption and discipline issues.
Give a heads-up that the activity is about to end - when students are immersed in learning, do not expect them to instantly stop and make a transition. Give a 2-minute - a cue that tells them that they will need to move to the next task in a short time. Prompt them to begin shutting down: "Now is a good time to complete the problem your're working on."