Technique #30: Tight Transitions

     One of the first techniques from Teach Like a Champion I implemented is called Tight Transitions (pp.154-157). Put into perspective, if a teacher is able to cut one minute from ten transitions a day, they would have an extra thirty-five hours of instructional time in the school year.  Who doesn't need more instructional time?  Now that you're realizing how fast those extra minutes add up, it's time to consult Lemov for some strategies.  One way tighter transitions can be achieved is taking his suggestion of guiding students on the correct pathways around the classroom.  If you show them the most direct way from Point A to Point B, and hold them to that path, then students will be less likely to take the longest way between points and find disruptions along the way.  You can take the next step of actually marking the pathways on the floor.

Technique #30: Tight Transitions in Action: 

     Luckily with Kindergarteners anything can be turned into a game and they'll buy into it.  We played a few rounds of follow the leader as each table learned the most direct way between their chairs and the carpet. When transitioning from sitting at their table to lining up, I have my class stand behind their chairs, with their chairs pushed in, and wait to be called by table to come directly to line.  If they do not come to line quietly, they are sent back to their seat.  I model for that student again how I want them to come to line by choosing a student expert for them to follow. After two days, most students are able to immediately come to line correctly the first time around. By day four, within a minute the entire class is in two straight quiet lines.  I didn't put tape on the floor for every pathway they could take, but I did have two vertical tape lines for them to stand on when they are lined up at the door.  My students also have line order with line leaders that rotate.  This prevents the "I was there first!" argument which also tightens up transitions.