Use the power of music to signal transitions from one lesson to another in the preschool classroom. Music automatically catches the ear and captures students' attention. Play a CD or sing a simple song (See Resources) to let kids know that it's time to begin a new lesson. Once you have all of your students' attention, inform them of what the next activity will be.
Similar to music, rhythms also easily grab children's attention. When it's time to end a lesson and start a new one, make a rhythm; clap your hands, snap your fingers or ring a bell, for example. When students hear the rhythm, kids should repeat the rhythm back to you by clapping their hands. Provide instructions for the next lesson once you have the attention of your entire class.
Use clues to transition from one lesson to another. Provide your students with clues that relate to the next activity and see if your students can determine what the next lesson is about based on your clues. For example, if the next lesson is about math, you could say, "Now it's time to count, estimate and create patterns. Who can tell me what the next lesson will be about?"
Provide your students with advanced notice when it's time to end one lesson and begin another one. About three minutes before the transition, ring a bell, blow a whistle or simply verbally state the notice -- "Three minute warning," for example. When your students hear the notice, they should begin wrapping up the activity that they are working on. Provide another notice two minutes and then one minute before the transition, at which point students should begin cleaning up. When the time is up, check to make sure that everyone has cleaned up and invite students to a meeting area to prepare them for the next lesson.