Managing Classroom Transitions (video annotation)

This annotation is based on the video "Ms. Noonan: Managing Transitions," which can be found here: Managing Transitions (Teaching Channel).

"Super scholar style": this is a way for her to make sure that students are paying attention and using good posture. This is effective, because it helps everyone to be on the same page, it helps the students develop good study habits, while at the same time the teacher is being inspiring instead of annoying. Also the students now feel good about themselves.

"Word of the day": a student will choose a word of the day. This is such a good idea. First, the student feels good because he did something significant for the class. Second, she has the word of the day which is a great tool for her. Finally, students will hear the word over and over which means that they will be more likely to remember it for a long time.

Using the word of the day: Every time the teacher wants the students to transition to the next place or activity, she uses the word of the day. This makes transitions more fun for the students. It also makes it very clear when they need to move or start the next activity. It also tunes their ears to hear this word, which they will definitely notice the net time someone uses it around them.

"Grab bag quiz": the teacher comes up with questions based on material that they've been studying that day or recently. Then the kids will slowly transition to the next place as students answer the questions. This is brilliant, because allows the teacher to review whatever she wants in a fun way while helping the transition be smooth and not a stampede. Also it motivates the kids to pay attention throughout the day.

"How do you feel about that?" After a student answers one of her questions, the teacher will say, "How do you feel about that?" This is great because it gets everyone involved even when only one person answers a question.

I'm so impressed with this teacher. She really nailed her transitions and the students were hanging on her every word.

As a high school teacher, I can't really use the same techniques, because the students would think I'm treating them like little kids, but I can adapt the principles. I like the word of the day concept. I might adapt it to my own classes by putting a short question on the whiteboard. Then as I ask students to bring their attention back to me, they can look at the question (which might be about a word or idea) and think about it as we get ready for the next activity.