1. Transitions Presented by Coffee with the Counselors
Julie Cleary and Breanne Heaslip
School Counselors
Essex Elementary School

2. What is a transition? Any change that occurs
This could refer to change in activity, setting, routine, programs, etc.

3. Why are transitions important to think about?
Transitions take time
Children often spend a lot of time waiting
Transitions can be stressful and frustrating
The skill of being able to transition as smoothly as possible between activities or life events is a lifelong skill

4. Types of transitions Divorce or separation
Moving to a new house/school
Between grades/teachers/classrooms
Death in or outside of the family
Change in routine for the family or at school
Additions to the family or family that has left
New job for adults in the family
Change from one activity to the next
Transitioning to one setting to the next

5. Feelings about transitions
Stress(worry that fades)
Worry or Anxiety(persistent worry)
Sadness
Anger
Happiness
Excitement
Fear
Confusion

6. How to Help at home Minimize the amount of activity you do in a day
Give verbal or visual warnings before a transition is about to occur
Break down large tasks into smaller tasks
Talk about the good things that may come along with change and try to make change a positive experience
Ease into change, if possible
Be prepared and inform kids before a change is going to happen (too soon can make kids worry but leave enough time for discussion)

7. How to help at home continued
Use a schedule and follow a routine at home (bedtime, eating, brushing teeth, etc.)
Make the end of an activity obvious
Use timers
Teach transition words- first, next, now, after
Teach time, as age appropriate
Use transition objects
Watch for signs of stress, worry, sadness and help them to identify their feelings and talk about them
Establish and review routines

8. What we do at school Social Stories Books
Identify feelings and talk about them
Teach coping strategies
Small groups and individual counseling
Classroom accommodations
Use cues- visual and verbal
Communicate with families
Establish routines
Open house
Ice cream social
Meet teachers over the summer

9. Resources Used for this Presentation
Helping Children Make Transitions Between Activites.(2009) Center on the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning. <
Oakly, Becky. (2015).18 Tips to Make Transitions Easier.