I'm doing an action research project and focusing on classroom management- specifically looking for successful transition techniques. I'd appreciate any ideas!

Meg, I like using "body up" "push in your chair" "follow me"
I pause between each direction, then I get to one area of the room and the children get into the line when the line passes by them. When I get them to an area that I can let them go to the hallway, I give the first person in the line a signal for which stop point he/she should walk to and stop. The first person stops and turns to watch for the next signal while the rest of the class remains in one line of tiles on the floor. This helps the classroom lines remain straight as they walk down the hall. The stop points help me be in control of the line without talking in the hall. It also insures that I can always see all of the children. When the children get used to this, I can say "follow Sam" and the class will follow that person. I hope this helps.

Great idea! I will test this out with my students next week. Thank you!

megjohnson25
Download the "Teaching Challenging Students...and the rest of your class too" in the download section of this website. You'll see a whole bunch of strategies that will help you with your research.

Meg, when you say "transition" what are you referring to? Typical everyday transitions within the classroom like opening books to a certain page, taking out specific materials, moving to certain areas, etc...?

If so, then some popular Power Teaching techniques are a simple call and response, and then a race. Hee hee..... it's simple. If you want them to pull out a specific book like a math book, simply say, "Math Book!" they respond 3 times, "Math book, math book, math book!" as they frantically race to pull out their math book, place it on their desk, and put their hands on top of their math book. Award points as deserved for following directions quickly. Line up? Say "Lines!" they respond "Lines! Lines! Lines!" it's wonderful.... "Seats! Seats! Seats!" "Page 242!" etc....

It does three things... generates energy, generates a sense of urgency, and repeats the directions 3 times niiiiice and loudly for those space-cadets who always ask, "Huh? What book?"

Thanks! That's exactly what I'm talking about. I actually got to see that in action by my mentor teacher. Great ideas.