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Transitioning from one activity to the next

Watch educators talking about how they transition from one activity to another with young people.
12.2
because I’d like to start off with a theory side of it. So we know that we’re working on the theory, rather than the practical, have the mini practical activity be part of the lesson. And then come back from that and carry on with the theory, and then pack away right at the very end, so you’re not breaking that lesson’s flow. I think it’s very important to keep that flow going, not too many stops and starts. I think you need to chunk the lesson as well, if you’re doing one thing throughout it can get boring and certain students can wander off.
38.5
So, you do need to chunk a lesson, but you do need to keep it flowing, you don’t want too many stops and starts. It does need to lead from one to the other. Sometimes you might want to break it up probably with again, a demo or a video. I always find little clips work, resourcing little clips really does help a lesson along.

A ‘transition’ is moving from one activity to the next. Getting transitions right gives your activity continuity and a sense of purpose. Watch the video of educators talking about how they transition.

Transitions are made up of:

  • Effectively finishing off one activity
  • Ensuring everyone has had sufficient time to complete the activity
  • Bringing everyone back to you and ensuring they are ready to listen. You could use a countdown or noise maker to get everyone’s attention
  • Questioning to see how they have done and what they understood
  • Starting off the next stage of the activity
  • Outlining what will happen
  • Explaining how the two activities are linked
  • Explaining the progression of the activities
  • Checking understanding

Throughout this process the pace at which you deliver each step is incredibly important. You need to ensure you have given the young people enough time to do the activity and any talking that you do is purposeful and productive.

Comment

How are you going to make your transitions effective? Share ideas in comments.
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