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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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