Teacher Language & Transitions

In this video clip, third grade teacher Kerry Tuttlebee uses several different positive language strategies to keep students moving during a transition while maintaining control in the classroom.

I am really inspired by the way Kerry uses reinforcing, reminding, and redirecting language here, and by her calm-yet-firm tone of voice.

Transitions are often an area children seem to struggle with—and they can be challenging for teachers, too! If you’re looking for ways to make transitions go more smoothly, have a look at “Teaching Transitions,” an article I wrote on how I tackled that problem in my classroom. Combine that process with positive teacher language such as Kerry uses here, and this tricky part of the school day should become much less stressful!

Tina Valentine worked as a Responsive Classroom consultant from 2009 to 2012. Before that, she served in the Springfield, Massachusetts public schools as an administrator, special education teacher, and test coordinator.

Tags: Transitions