Use music and songs to signify a transition is occurring. For instance, after doing art activities, the class will need to clean up. Incorporate a song to make the process enjoyable. Play a song, such as the "Clean-Up Song," and encourage the children to sing along as they clean. You can also play songs, such as "The Chicken Dance" or the "Mexican Hat Dance," between subjects. The children can dance and sing along with the song, thus releasing energy. When the song is over, you can start the next activity.
Games are a way to easily transition from one activity to another. For example, engage in a game of acting like animals. This activity works well if the students need to go to another classroom for the next subject. Tell each child he must mimic a quiet bear and make no noise going down the hallway. Alternatively, games, such as "Ring Around the Rosie" or "London Bridge," give the class a break and easily transition into the next activity. The class should stand in a circle and move around with the song. When the song is over, tell the students to sit down and start teaching the next lesson.
Incorporate the alphabet into a transition activity. For instance, tell the children you are going to recite the alphabet. The children must say the alphabet with you and march around the room. You can also use numbers in your transition activities. Tell the class you will be calling out a number. Ask the children to trace the number in the air with their fingers. This engages the class in between activities and makes them focus on you.
Ask the children to do exercises, such as crossing their right elbow to their left knee. This will break up tension and allow them to move around. You can also do variations of Follow the Leader. Stand in front of the class and tell the students to copy you. Do things, such as hopping, skipping or walking softly. Do this for several minutes and tell the class to stop and sit after a couple of minutes. You can now transition into your next activity.