Uses Signals for Transitions (E3.1.4)
Sub Category: Planning Framework: Environmental Design, Equipment, Materials, Routines, Schedules, and Learning Formats
Credential Level: Level 1 •
Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K
COMPETENCY STATEMENT
Consistently uses signals to alert and prepare children for transitions (finger plays, songs, chants, changes in lighting)
DEFINITIONS
Teachers can use signals to help children transition between activities. They can use finger plays, songs, or chants to alert and prepare children for transitions. To teach new signals, teachers can introduce them during a calm and engaging activity, explaining and demonstrating the signal's meaning and purpose. Repetition and consistency are key, so practicing the signals regularly will help children understand and respond to them. These signals support children's understanding of different classroom routines and create a predictable environment.
EXAMPLES
Uses Signals for Transitions
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this video, a teacher tells the children it is clean-up time before they can get ready to go outside. Notice how she turns on the cleanup song on an iPad as a signal to help the children transition by cleaning up their toys.
Uses Signals for Transitions
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this exemplar video, a teacher consistently uses a signal to alert and prepare children for transitions. Notice how she turned on the clean up song and gave the children verbal instructions about what they needed to do. Using a signal to prepare children for transitions helps children have consistency throughout their day and know what to expect.
Uses Signals for Transitions
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this exemplar video, a teacher consistently uses a signal to alert and prepare children for transitions. Notice how she turned on the timer and told children they would be transitioning to centers by clapping syllables in their names. Using a signal to prepare children for transitions helps children have consistency throughout their day and know what to expect.
Uses Signals for Transitions
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this video, the teacher asks the child multiple questions to help him transition to the next activity. She asks the child if hes finished building and what he has to do before going to another center. When the tower falls as the child is cleaning up, the teacher also asks him why he thinks it fell. She then asks if he’s ready to go outside and what the clean up song is.