Making the Most of Transitions: Strategies for Every Age Group

Hey Reader!

Transitions in our early childhood classrooms can be tricky, but they’re also valuable learning moments. In general, transitions are just moments when we move from one activity to the next – sometimes that means we’re cleaning up and leaving the room and sometimes, the transitions are much more subtle as we move from napping to waking! I googled a few resources and was reminded again about how much children learn during transition times! Are you intentional in how you handle them throughout the day or are you typically just shouting (not really yelling, but trying to make yourself heard above the playful noises of your students) out instructions as the time draws near to “do the next thing”? Here are some ideas for making transitions an intentional part of your teaching plan for each age group. I also included some developmental cues for you as well.

Infants (Birth-12 Months): Gentle Cues & Consistency

For infants, transitions should be slow, predictable, and soothing. Babies thrive on routine, so keeping a steady flow to the day is key.
🍼 Use song cues – Sing a familiar lullaby before naptime to signal a change.
🍼 Provide verbal and physical reassurance – Use a calm voice and gentle touch when moving from one activity to another.
🍼 Maintain a predictable routine – Consistent transitions (e.g., diapering before feeding) help infants feel secure.

Toddlers (12-24 Months): Movement & Engagement

Toddlers are active explorers who may resist transitions if they feel interrupted. Keep them engaged and moving!
👣 Use movement-based transitions – “Let’s stomp like elephants to the sink for handwashing!”
👣 Offer choices – “Do you want to hop or tiptoe to circle time?”
👣 Give simple warnings – “One more minute, then we clean up!”

Two-Year-Olds: Hands-On & Playful Routines

Twos are starting to understand routines but still need lots of reminders. Make transitions interactive and fun.
🎶 Use music – A cleanup song or a “marching band” parade to the next activity keeps things light.
🎶 Turn transitions into games – “Can you find something blue to put away first?”
🎶 Give short, clear directions – “First, put your cup away. Then, find your mat.”

Three-Year-Olds: Visual Cues & Simple Independence

Three-year-olds love to feel independent, and visual cues help them know what’s coming next.
📸 Use picture schedules – A simple chart with images of daily activities helps children anticipate transitions.
📸 Assign helper jobs – “You get to be the line leader today!”
📸 Practice short countdowns – “When I count to five, we’ll line up!”

Four-Year-Olds: Storytelling & Social Connection

Fours are developing strong imaginations and social skills, so using stories and group activities can ease transitions.
📖 Use transition stories – “Let’s pretend we’re astronauts floating to the reading rug!”
📖 Encourage peer-to-peer transitions – “Hold hands with a friend and walk to the snack table together.”
📖 Ask open-ended questions – “What was your favorite part of centers today?”

Five-Year-Olds: Independence & Leadership

Five-year-olds are ready for more independence and responsibility in transitions.
🌟 Use timers and signals – “When the sand timer runs out, it’s time to clean up!”
🌟 Give leadership roles – Let a child be in charge of ringing a bell or calling small groups to line up.
🌟 Teach self-monitoring – Post a checklist for what to do before leaving an area: “1. Put materials away, 2. Push in your chair, 3. Join the group.”

No matter the age, keeping transitions engaging, predictable, and developmentally appropriate makes the classroom experience smoother for both children and teachers. Which transition strategies work best for your group? We want to know!

Need more ideas? Listen to this week’s podcast episode with Louisa Forguson!

Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

Listen to this podcast episode with host Monica Healer now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Colossians 3:16

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”