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Transitions in Pre-K and Kindergarten can be challenging. It can be hard to regroup for Circle Time or any other activity when students come back crazy or have a hard time calming down. I have found a simple way to help my class settle and regroup that I can’t wait to share with you. This tip for how to calm down students after classroom transitions is effective, fun, and easy to add to your daily routine!
*For more tips on how to create a positive AND playful learning environment in your classroom, be sure to join us in P.L.A.Y. (Playful Learning All Year)!
Finding fun ways to help students regroup isn’t always easy but I have a fun way to handle it. This tip is perfect for any time of year (but especially great for winter!).
Here is my favorite strategy for helping kids calm down and regroup after classroom transitions – give it a try!
When it is time for your class to settle and give you their attention, simply say, “We are melting in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0!”
As you count down, have your students pretend to be snowmen and quietly melt to their spot.
The first time you do this with your students, you will want to pre-teach it to them at Circle Time. This is a fun way to practice so they know what to expect when you begin to use this strategy after a transition.
After pre-teaching, you are ready to add it to your routine!
Students love this simple way of calming down and what is even more fun is it can change for whatever season or fun day you are celebrating!
For example, you can change it to leaves or raindrops falling or even ice cream melting! Whatever fun ways you can think of. This occasional switch-up will keep your students looking forward to what it could be the next time they need to regroup after a transition.
Let’s not forget you are also practicing counting backward with this calm-down activity which is an important skill. This is one of the best parts about teaching – integrating fun into learning new skills!
So the next time you need to calm down your students after a transition, try this! You won’t regret it.
Songs are powerful AND effective! They can be especially useful tools when settling in after classroom transitions. Today we want to share with you one of our favorite attention-getter songs.
This simple and engaging song is sung to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Sing this song at the beginning of Circle Time or when regrouping after a transition. The key is to really whisper on the whispering part (kids tune in when we get quieter).
Check out the video to hear our regrouping song in action. You will definitely want to try it with your kiddos!
If you can hear me
and you’re listening,
clap your hands!
If you can hear me
and you’re listening,
clap your hands!
If you can hear me
and you’re listening,
and you even hear a whisper…
If you can hear me
and you’re listening,
clap your hands!
Don’t miss out – sign up today for The PLAYlist! With 3 new songs every month designed specifically for Pre-K, TK, & Kindergarten PLUS corresponding games and activities, this resource is quickly going to become your favorite tool in your teacher toolbox!
Join The PLAYlist and spend less time trying to capture student attention and more time being engaged in active learning!
