Classroom Management: Smooth Transitions!

When elementary students learn to follow directions, it begins a complimentary compliance with requests that improves their relationships with everyone! Young students sometimes have difficulty transitioning from one activity to another, especially students on the autism spectrum. Many times transitions causes anxiety or students just seem to be stuck and not be able to transition to the next task well. Because transitions can be difficult, use this packet of materials to help teach students how to transition effectively. This packet allows students to follow adults’ directions without whining, arguing, and/or complaining. In this packet is a set of visual, nonverbal signal cards that can serve as transition signals. These cards are very nonthreatening, non-obtrusive individualized approach to transitioning. A teacher can simply place a card on a student’s desk and walk away. Cards include “GO,” “slow down and breathe,” and “STOP!” Students are sure to respond to these cards and will receive an individualized warning that a transition time is approaching!