If you have taught long enough, you will know that each student must transition from one lesson to the next and this requires an effective classroom management technique. Without good technique, these transitions will often lead to classroom management problems that the teacher will need to address. This article will talk about ways you can transition from one lesson to the next with the least amount of disruption in the classroom.

The first thing I recommend you implement is the use of the mini-lesson. Mini-lessons are a perfect way to keep students engaged without letting them get bored. As we all know, bored students can often cause classroom management problems, which is what we’re trying to avoid in the first place.

The best way to facilitate a positive transition between lessons is to ensure that the transition is always well structured with a classroom management technique. When it is unstructured, the chances of problems arising during the transition period are greatly increased. In simple terms, sometimes the best defense is actually a good offense. Here are 5 steps you can take to structure your transitions and cause the least amount of disruption to your class.

1. Have a sign

You must have a signal that effectively stops all student activity. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use an egg timer. On the first day of school, teach students that when the timer goes off, they should immediately stop what they are doing and listen for more instructions. Of course many other signals can be used and this is just one example.

2. Give specific instructions

Your students can’t read minds any better than you. When you are specific about what you want, it is better for everyone. For example, if you are moving from a math activity to a silent reading activity, there is a big difference between telling students to put their math away and open their books to page 25 and “You have 1 minute to put your math away.” “. and turn your book to page 25 without speaking. When you hear the beep, stop immediately and listen for further instructions.” You can easily see which one is better because it is more specific. I would also recommend writing the page number on the whiteboard for further clarification.

3. Follow up to ensure understanding

You need to know that your students understand what to do. The easiest way to do this is to randomly select students and ask them to repeat your instructions. You can ask them what they should be doing or how much time they have left.

4. Model when needed

If the transition is particularly complex, you may need to model the transition yourself. A good example is if students need to form groups. You can model how you expect groups to get up and form. Remember that students need specific instructions on what to do. This technique can also be used for simple instructions like putting a crayon back in the box and placing the box in the proper place. Remember that you are the teacher and it is your job to teach the students what to do.

5. Say, “Go!”

When all of the above steps are complete, set your timer, if that’s what you’re using, and say “Go!” Students will then begin the structured transition.

This is one way to achieve effective classroom management, but there is more to know. Below I have provided a review of a resource that may be the most important tool a teacher can use to maintain control of the classroom. I suggest you read it.

You know that you need to make transitions between lessons and these transitions need to be smooth to run an effective classroom. You can’t let these transitions lead to classroom management problems, so you must use a classroom management technique. By following the 5 steps outlined above, you will find that you will be able to transition between lessons effectively with minimal disruption to the classroom.