20 simple ways to make Transitions more fun

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1. Marching to lunch.

2. Sing chanting or rhythmic songs in the car or on the field trips

3. Use a visual schedule to prepare for the days transitions. Give a verbal reminder 5-10 mins before

4. Walk like an animal to calm the body.

5. Have the child keep track of transitions using a timer.

6. Enter the classroom through a tunnel at the door.

7. Keep a fidget on a keychain or in a pocket.

8. Assign the child a helping task that involves carrying a heavy object.

9. Have children pull you with a harness or a "co~operband"

10. Create a social story about a big transition with a success story.

11. Wear a weighted vest before, during and after, the transition.

12. Take a chill out ( sensory diet break) before leaving

13. Hold hands with a frog, and have the class transition with a line leader.

14. Snap on a sensory go pack . ( tool belt? Or an apron with pockets!! ) Loaded with fidgets!!

15. Crab walk o change work areas in the classroom

16. Use cordless headphones or an ipod with modulation music.

17. Jump on an bungee jumper or trampoline BEFORE the transition.

18. Play calming music in the lunchroom and only use natural light.

19. Take a swinging break before starting the school day.

20. Humm a rhythmic song on a kazoo until you arrive.

All of these ideas are just that.. Ideas we have used in the classroom or on a doctors trip or day visit. What may not work the first time may work on the 5th time. Our kids thrive on routine!! Remember that!