Novice teachers or colleagues with much more experience, almost everyone struggles with lesson transitions sometimes. It is important that as a teacher, as the leader of the group, you feel good about what is happening. Eight tips for better transition moments from teacher coach Roelie Zijlstra.
Prevent a lesson transition from taking an unnecessarily long time. Tips 2, 3 and 4 below will help with that. Also consider whether the conclusion of a lesson can be the introduction to a new lesson. If one lesson is about something that will be covered in the next, name it and start the new lesson immediately. This makes it easier to hold attention and there is no room for unrest.
For students it is important that you show predictable teacher behavior. Use fixed agreements and build in routines. That way, the kids know what's going to happen, what you want them to do. As a result, they will gradually do what you expect from them.
Tell the students what to expect in the coming lesson and name desired behavior. For example, say: “In three minutes you will be instructed about residual sums. Make sure you are in the learning position in three minutes. ” This lets the group know that there is room for a moment of relaxation, when that moment is over and why it is necessary.
Make what you want from them as concrete as possible for the children. And make that tangible. Tell them what they need, such as their pencil, eraser, and workbook, and that you want them to have it ready. Concretizing is also making time visible. With a timer on the IWB or with an alarm clock; as long as it can be read. Zijlstra: “Ultimately, it's all about clear communication that goes beyond saying: 'Guys, we'll go to the next lesson in a minute and get yourself ready.' Which lesson is about to start? What do you need to clean up? And what do you need? Make that clear. "
A lesson change is a great time for a child to let off steam. And every student prefers to do this in their own way. One person needs to exercise, another wants to be alone for a while, a third just likes to have a chat. “Meeting those needs is a challenge, but it is possible,” says Zijlstra. “You can take turns paying attention to it. After a lesson, let them read a book quietly and, for example, use an energizer during another transition. This way there is always a child whose needs you meet.”
An energizer is an active game in which children discharge. Numerous examples can be found on the internet. Doing something busy to get more rest seems contradictory, but these activities are recommended. “In the classroom you have many children who like to exercise a lot, but who often have to sit still in education as we have designed it,” says Zijlstra. "With an energizer they can quickly get rid of that energy and then get to work with attention." With clear agreements, such as a hand in the air to indicate that you want it to be quiet, you can quickly regain peace.
Other short games can also provide some air in between lessons. Group-forming activities at the beginning of the school year are also suitable for this.
If you reflect regularly, you give yourself the opportunity to adjust your own actions. That is why Zijlstra coaches using video recordings. The teacher can see for himself what happens and what does not happen during lesson transitions in a group. You can also reflect by remembering at the end of each working day what went well and what could be improved.
And if you do sit down with yourself, consider to what extent you believe in your leadership. What is your body language doing? What do you radiate? Do you stand in your strength as a teacher? “How you can ensure this differs per teacher; everyone is different, ”says Zijlstra. “For some it is about posture, for others it is good to adjust the use of voice. You can also give yourself a certain appearance with clothing. ” The point is that you believe in yourself. "If it fails, students will flawlessly see through it."