Count the number of transitions you use on average in your classroom in
one day…
Lauren Cassidy
Corners: When music starts take your things and go to one of the following corners: 0-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7 or more...start timer with music
Find a Partner…Discuss what
transition times look like in your
classroom.
Lauren Cassidy
Each person in the pair has 2 minutes to speak...this is your partner for the session...I'm going to turn over the sand timer. Find a seat together at a table beofre the time is up...start music
Taking Notes
Lauren Cassidy
Have teachers take out notebook...I will have extras in case soemone doesn't have one...go over expectations of notes/grapihc organizer in the notebook
Consider This…
90 Minute Reading Block-5 minutes to find a misplaced book
85-5 minutes to redirect after a fuss
80-5 minutes for bathroom breaks or
pencil sharpening75
-5 minutes of interruptions during small group instruction70 minutes of reading
Sound Familiar????
Lauren Cassidy
When do you seem to loose instructional time due to transitions? Turn and talk to your shoulder partner (to the left)
Model Transitions• Provide multiple
opportunities for students to practice
• Monitor and provide feedback
• Reteach as needed
Lauren Cassidy
Discuss expectations of transitions during the session so I can provide feedback
Transition times in the classroom have the potential to be chaotic and unorganized, not to mention they can waste valuable teaching
time. I use something called Preferred Activity Time to minimize transition times, keep students quiet and orderly and get to the
next task quickly.
P.A.TPreferred Activity Time
Transition times in the classroom have the potential to be chaotic and
unorganized, not to mention they can waste valuable teaching time. Use Preferred Activity Time to minimize
transition times, keep students quiet and orderly and get to the next task
quickly.
Lauren Cassidy
Discuss what P.A.T looks like in the classroom...use it during the session on an anchor chart...Preferred Activity Time basically means that the students earn free time throughout the day, each time that there is a transition or something that needs to be done quickly and efficiently. When students transition from one activity to the next, I give them a certain amount of time in which the transition should be manageable. During the transition, there is to be minimal talking and walking only (be sure to set your expectations high!) If all students are seated and ready at their next center before the two minutes is up, they gain the leftover time as Preferred Activity Time (P.A.T.) .I keep a running tally of P.A.T. on the corner of a whiteboard, which keeps getting added to throughout the day. When they have accumulated a larger sum of time, they can take it as free choice time on a day that I choose (using end of day on Friday for educational games or outdoor activities)
Brain Break: Walking Pair Share...pose a question and have teachers stand up..hand up...pair up and answer question...use timer and background music...Deck of Cards...give examples of ways to use when entering and exiting classroom...have pair discuss other idas for cards....Math Facts...say mult facts in alloted time during transitions...pick a "secret student" for this activity
Secret Student
Lauren Cassidy
During transition times, choose a secret student. When the transition is complete, let the class know who the secret student was and if that student behaved perfectly during transitions...reward them with a piece of candy or a sticker. Give very specific positive feedback to secret student.
What will POWERFUL transitions look like in your classroom?
Lauren Cassidy
Talking Chips in groups of 4 or 5 at each table...I will pose questions and allow time for discussion and collaboration
EXIT SLIP
On a sticky note write down a takeaway you will
use in your classroom during transitions or a question you still have. Place it in the session
