Planning a fun day of movement and playing? It helps to think about transition activities. Transition activities are what you do between activities. By planning your transitions, you can make it easier for your child to move from one activity to another.
Here’s how:
Choose transition activities that work for your child.
There are many different types of transition activities. You could make up a song about what you are doing, and sing it each time. Or, you could do a timed countdown! You could also recite a rhyme, or play a guessing game. Pay attention to what your child responds to.
Some ideas for transition songs are below. Feel free to make up your own.
Here are some songs you can try singing.
Tell your child what you will be doing.
When the day begins, give your child a sense of what you will be doing that day. You can tell them with words, or you can use pictures! This way, they will have an idea of what to expect.
“First, we are having breakfast. Then, we will look for birds outside!”
Stick to the schedule.
Children like predictability. If you say something will happen at a certain time, or in a certain order, try to stick with that. For example, tell your child you will eat lunch, then go to the park, then come home for nap time. Then, stick to that plan (as much as possible.) Plans may need to change from time to time.
“In 10 minutes it will be time for lunch. After we clean up from lunch, we will go to the park!”
Be smart with scheduling.
Will any of the activities be challenging for your child? If so, schedule those as early as possible. That way your child will be more rested and able to try something challenging. Also, keep in mind when your child eats and naps. Make sure your child has eaten before being active, so they don’t run out of energy. Also think about scheduling active play for right before nap time. You may find they sleep better!
“Do you know what we’re doing before nap time? Outdoor play time!”
Make time for transitions.
When you are planning the day, consider the time it will take to move from one activity to another. For example, the time it will take to walk from the playground to the car. Or, the time it will take to wait for the bus at the bus stop.
“Time to get ready to leave! Let’s say our clean up rhyme while we collect our things.”
Remember to rest.
Young children may need some quiet time or nap time between activities. Pay attention to how your child reacts to active play. If needed, schedule in some quiet time.
“Now that we have played, it is time to rest. Let’s sing our ‘calming down’ song quietly together.”
Give praise.
When your child transitions well, give them praise! Let them know they did a good job.
“Great job helping! This room looks so nice and clean now.”
Did You Know?
Children hit different social and emotional milestones at different ages. This can affect the way they play. To learn more, take our Milestones Matter lesson series!