Many preschoolers can process visual cues more quickly than verbal cues. Visual aids are also easy to make and use. Use handheld signs to help children transition. For instance, make red stop signs to indicate it's time to stop the activity children are currently doing. Hold up another sign with a picture of children cleaning up while preschoolers put their toys away, then hold up a final sign showing the activity you're moving to next. You'll need a variety of signs, with one showing each activity you commonly do.
When children are scattered throughout the room, music is the easiest way to get everyone's attention. Choose one song to be your standard signal that it's time to transition. You may use a dance song that students enjoy, or find a children's song about cleaning up your toys. Explain that whenever children hear this song play, they must clean up whatever they're doing and gather at the circle area. Music can also help calm children when you need to prepare them for a quiet activity. Play some instrumental music or lullabies until children are relaxed.
The most challenging transitions generally occur when you're moving from a high-energy activity such as recess to a quieter activity. Preschoolers may struggle to calm their bodies down on command. Calming movement activities help children relax and prepare them to sit still. Gather the students in a group and lead them in stretches. These stretches can be as simple as touching your toes and reaching for the sky. You may also research easy yoga poses to teach preschoolers. After a minute of these stretches, children should be calm enough to begin a new activity.
Preschoolers are sure to drag their feet when it's time to move from one fun activity to an activity they enjoy less. If you can distract children with an enjoyable transition, they'll put up less of a fight. For instance, when it's time to clean up toys encourage children to pretend to be animals while they work. When it's time to come in from the playground, encourage children to hop the whole way inside and over to the tables for writing practice.