Types of Transitions
This is when children stop one activity and start another.
What is a transition?
This type of reminder helps children prepare for change (e.g., “In 5 minutes we clean up.”)
What is a warning or time cue?
Coaches should look for these during transitions (e.g., movement, talking, fidgeting).
What are child behaviors?
This coaching strategy involves helping in the moment.
What is side-by-side or in-the-moment coaching?
This type of cue tells children what to expect.
What is a visual or verbal cue?
Moving from inside to outside is this type of transition.
What is a physical/environmental transition?
Using songs or visuals during transitions helps with this.
What is predictability or engagement?
Observing this helps identify which parts of the day are most challenging.
What is the daily schedule?
When a coach notices a transition is not working, they can start by asking this.
What is "What have you noticed during this transition?"
Children may need this to move from one activity to another successfully.
What is extra support or guidance?
These occur when children move between parts of the daily schedule.
What are routine transitions?
Coaches can support teachers in limiting this during transitions.
What is wait time or downtime?
A coach might track this to help understand transitions better.
What is duration or number of transition steps?
Coaches use this kind of language to encourage reflection.
What is open-ended questioning?
Singing a cleanup song helps children move smoothly through this transition.
What is cleanup or tidy-up time?
This type of transition happens when a child joins or leaves the program.
What is an entry/exit or long-term transition?
These types of transitions encourage child independence (e.g., choosing a center after circle).
What are active or self-directed transitions?
Positive, behavior-specific feedback supports this during coaching.
What is educator confidence or growth?
This coaching tool supports goal-setting and tracking progress.
What is a coaching action plan?
Giving children a job or role during transition does this.
What is increases engagement or reduces behavior issues?
Transitions often happen at this time of day, leading to increased behavior issues.
What is cleanup time or end of free play?
A coach might suggest using this to help non-verbal children during transitions.
What is a visual schedule or first-then board?
True or False: Observation notes should include only what the coach thinks is happening.
What is false?
Coaching is most effective when it includes this kind of relationship.
What is a collaborative or trusting relationship?
This individualized support helps children who struggle with transitions the most.
What is a transition plan or social story?