Begin the school year with a standard set of transition rules; it's more effective to draw them up with the class. Include common practices such as moving quietly, not touching others and returning supplies. Keep the rules posted. Practice implementing the transition rules several times so that the students understand the expectations. Use signals, such as the sound of a bell to indicate that transition time is going to begin. Be sure all students understand the signal. These transition lessons are usually most necessary for early elementary-aged students.
Organize the classroom to make transitions easier. Have a set place for students to deposit finished tasks or homework. Implement a folder system with different colored folders for each class. Place graded papers in the folders; students can pick up the folders when they enter the classroom to see papers or deposit homework. You can also use baskets where students can turn in work when entering and leaving the classroom.
Students who transition from one classroom to another need strict boundaries. A time limit is essential and can be implemented informally by the teachers or by a school wide bell system, depending on the grade level. Provide opportunities for students who transition promptly, such as extra credit work in the form of a challenge question that can be finished before the bell rings or in the first five minutes of class. Plan your lessons so they do not overlap into the next period. End your lessons with a summary of the day's activity so that students know transition time is approaching.
As in transitions to another classroom, provide clear beginnings and endings to lessons so that students know transitions to another subject are coming. Insist on adherence to routines and if the lesson is activity-based, leave time for cleanup and the return of materials. Assign and rotate on a regular basis small group leaders to be responsible for making sure each group is ready for the next subject. In elementary schools, alert the students to the end of transition time with a signal such as ringing a bell or clapping hands.