Using chimes is how I transition my student throughout the day. I used to have my students transition using songs but I found that it could be time consuming and I had to get up to turn the song on and off. After reading The Daily 5, I decided to transition using chimes. This was probably one of the best purchases I could have made for my classroom. It is an unobtrusive way to get my students attention in and even has a calming effect on them. People are always commenting on how they love the chimes. My principal even wrote in a classroom observation: "I like how you use the chimes to change centers (I remember this from last year as well); it's not loud, and the students respond well to it." I couldn't have said it better myself! This is how I transition for every activity in my classroom! During literacy and math centers my students hear the chimes 3 times and know to clean up and switch quietly. When they are working at their seats or doing group projects and I chime once they know to stop, look, and listen. It takes some practice at the beginning of the year but it is wonderful when all the students listen. This way I never have to raise my voice, noisely clap to get attention, or play music that sometimes students get into too much. It has worked well for me, give it a try. Here are the chimes I have in my classroom:
I couldn't find my chimes on Amazon anymore but your can buy these which have great reviews:
If you click on the Amazon link it will take you directly to these.
Link up with Little Miss Kindergarten to see other ways to transition your students!
