Daily Transitions

08/04/2015

Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.
Writer, Bob Talbert

In her article "Helping Young Children through Daily Transitions," which forms the basis for the newest Exchange Out of the Box Training Kit by the same name, Tara Katz offers a number of ideas for transitions in the preschool classroom including this one:

"Children expect us to tell them what comes next and what we expect of them. The difference between, "You may set the table for me" and "Can you set the table?" is day and night. As adults we sometimes think we nurture children to be strong independent thinkers when we ask them if they want to wear their coats or what they want for dinner. Such questions are only appropriate when the choice is real. What children need is for the adults in their lives to let them know what is expected of them in a consistent, loving, manner. Daily rhythms and routines and clear language will help them achieve that goal. In a society that values individuality, the idea of guiding children in an authoritative manner, instead of as their friend, can feel uncomfortable."

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