Does it ever seem that some days are a lot like a roller coaster?
For example, does this sound familiar? The children are playing cooperatively and then when you announce it’s time to move outside, the struggle erupts. Eventually, it settles and everyone is running around outside with sounds of laughter and joy. Then, you announce that is time to go inside for lunch, and the struggle erupts. Again. It’s most definitely an up-and-down bumpy day!
In such situations, try music. Children naturally respond to music. Incorporating songs into your transitions sets a calm tone and a clear message of what is coming next.
Would you like a smooth way to transition from one activity to the next? Check out these three favorite transition songs:
- Little Helper (a clean up song)
- Circle Time song
- Good-bye song
Cleaning Up
When it is time to pick up toys, supplies or snack materials, sing a song to signal the start of cleanup and to help children stay focused on the task at hand. Singing together helps establish a caring community where children feel they are important contributors to maintaining their learning environment. It gives them an internal feeling of self-worth, which will then extend outwardly as kindness, sharing and cooperation (Bailey, 2001).
Bailey, B. (2001). Conscious discipline: 7 Basic skills for brain smart classroom management. Oviedo, FL: Loving Guidance, Inc.
Little Helper
I’m a little helper
I can do many helpful things
Just for you
Ask me and you will see
I will do my very best
Just for you
Helper, helper
I’m a little helper
Greeting and Gathering
Circle time is the perfect way to gather children at the start of the day. Sing a short greeting song to signal that it is time to meet as a group. A familiar song that children can sing with you will help them feel more comfortable leaving parents or greeting unfamiliar people. A greeting song can also act as a “reset button” to help children move on from stressful feelings they might have brought with them that morning. Sing the Experience Curriculum Circle Time song.
Circle Time
1-2-3, come learn with me
4-5-6, calendar and weather picks>
7 8 9, it’s circle time
Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap
Jump, jump run in place
Turn around and then sit down
Dismissing for the Day
Sing a short dismissal song to signal the end of the day. Children will know that it is time to bring the day’s activities to a close, put toys or supplies away, and prepare to go home. Sing the Experience Curriculum Good-Bye song.
Good-bye
Our day is done; it was so much fun
Learning with you – a doodlee -do
Now we must say good-bye to the day
Good-bye to you, and you and you
A doodlee doo – a doodlee doo
Good-bye
Sing to engage your little ones and to involve them in the routines and transitions that happen throughout every day. Why say it when you can sing it?
Download Song & Transition Stick Toppers and make a set of transition song sticks for your classroom.