Transitioning can be made into a game that distracts children from their current activity and motivates them to clean up quickly. Announce that you’re going to time children while they clean up and move to the next center. Write each transition time on the blackboard and remind children of their record for fastest cleanup so they can try to beat that time. Asking children to hop like bunnies or crawl as they transition can also motivate them to participate.
During each transition time, play the same music to signal to children that it’s time to move on. Choose one piece of music, such as a children’s song about cleaning up or a piece of classical music. Whenever it’s time to transition, press play. Explain that whenever children hear the music, it’s time to clean up and go to the next center. Over time, children can become, in a sense, conditioned to start cleaning up whenever they hear the first notes of the music.
Some children are visual learners who can more easily process and understand pictures faster than verbal directions. Visual indicators may also be useful for developmentally disabled children who aren’t verbal. Make some small signs, such as a picture of children cleaning up or small images of stop signs. Laminate these signs and distribute copies to teachers. Whenever it’s time to move to the next center, walk around the room holding the sign up to each child while explaining what center to move to next.
When you’re asking children to move from one quiet center to another, some preschoolers may get antsy and need some movement. Rather than moving directly from quiet playtime to story time, lead preschoolers in a quick parade around the classroom. Ask children to jump, crawl and skip as they move so each child gets to work out some energy. Stretches can also help preschoolers calm themselves; finish up your movement minibreak with some simple yoga poses. When everyone’s quiet, direct the preschoolers to the next center.