Oct 2024 preschool leader article Transition Times
Missions Discipleship

Ways to Help Preschoolers Transition Smoothly between Activities

September 20, 2024 /

At what time in your Mission Friends session do preschoolers struggle the most? Many leaders say it is transition times when moving from one activity to another.

Preschoolers struggle when there is a change in the schedule, when they have to stop an activity, or when they have to wait. We can help them through these transition times by doing a few simple things.

What Happens Next?

Many preschoolers want to know what they are going to do next. Try these ideas related to your session schedule.

    • Keep a consistent schedule so preschoolers become familiar with the overall schedule each session. Before our Group Time, Zoe asked about snack time. Charlotte answered, “It’s too early for snack.” Charlotte was familiar with the schedule and knew that we have snack after Group Time.
    • Use a picture schedule in your room. This gives preschoolers a visual of what happens next. On poster board, glue or draw a picture representing each part of your session: Activity Time, Cleanup Time, Group Time Story, Prayertime, Closing Time.
    • Check out the free Preschool Schedule Board available for download at wmu.com/preschool under Free Downloads. The PDF includes instructions for creating a picture schedule using the provided activity cards.
    • Let preschoolers know if the schedule will be different for the session so they know what to expect.

Cleanup Time

Cleanup time can be difficult for preschoolers when they have to stop an activity they really enjoy. Some preschoolers need to be prompted to help with cleanup. How do you make this transition time easier?

    • Let preschoolers know two or three minutes beforehand that it will be time to clean up.
    • Use a timer to count down the time. Use the timer app on your phone or search for a free timer app.
    • Sing a cleanup song to help preschoolers transition. Preschoolers especially pay attention if you use their names in a song. Several cleanup songs can be found in Sing to the Tune on pages 38–41.
    • Make a game out of cleaning up. For example, “Let’s see if you can pick up ten blocks. Count out loud as you pick up the blocks.”
    • Use containers with picture labels so preschoolers know where to place materials.

Moving into Group Time

Some preschoolers finish cleaning up quickly and are ready for Group Time. They may have to wait while other preschoolers are still cleaning up. Here are some ideas to transition into Group Time.

    • Use a movement activity, such as stretching up to the sky and then bending down to the ground.
    • Sing a song to start off Group Time as others are joining in.
    • Play a game such as “I Spy” while waiting.
    • Use a game from Mission Friends Leader Kit, such as a matching game, until all preschoolers arrive in Group Time.
    • Show one of the month’s pictures from Mission Friends Leader Kit. Discuss the picture and ask questions in the question box on the picture.

Transition times with your group will be easier when you help preschoolers navigate through these times. Guide your preschoolers through these changes so you will all have more pleasant transition times.

Joye Smith is the WMU preschool ministry consultant.