The beginning of the day is a transition period, as children are transitioning from their home setting to the school setting. Provide students with activities that will keep order in your classroom until everyone has arrived and the day is ready to begin. Upon students' arrival, set materials on their desks for them to use while waiting for the day to formally begin. For example, consider arts and crafts materials or worksheets. Alternatively, let students read books or play with designated toys until class begins. Encourage children to perform jobs upon arriving at school such as placing their names on the attendance sheet, taking out their homework and placing it in a designated spot, putting their belongings away, feeding a class pet or watering a class plant.
Moving from one room to another is a necessary task for second grade students that can lead to chaos if children race to line up and talk while walking down the hall. To ensure smooth transitions when moving from different locations, employ tactics that will keep your students on task and controlled. When it's time to line up, call out colors or letters. The students wearing the stated color or have the stated letter in their names line up. While walking down the hallway, take notice of students actions. Award students who are well behaved a point upon returning to class. Upon earning a specific number of points, students can earn extra time at recess, a small toy or any number of other things. While the students are waiting in line, have them sing songs or perform finger plays to avoid outbursts and fidgeting.
Ending one activity and beginning a new one in the classroom is also a period of transition that can cause confusion, as children are either unaware of what is expected of them or they don't want to end an activity. Provide a time warning to indicate that a transition time is approaching. For example, say "one minute warning" one minute before the current activity has to end. Count down to zero when there are 10 seconds remaining. Sing the clean up song after the one minute warning expires. Clap a pattern to capture children's attention. Have the children repeat the clapping pattern and tell them the next activity after you have everyone's attention.
Make sure your students are ready to go home in an orderly and timely manner using end-of-the-day transition activities. Sing a song that indicates students should gather at a meeting area. Recap the day's events, go over any homework expectations and provide a glimpse into the next day's activities. Have children help clean up the classroom, gather their belongings and stack their chairs. Line students up and sing songs or perform finger plays while transitioning from the classroom to the exit.