09/16/2025
Transitions felt like the end of the world. That’s how it was for Sam, a bright 4-year-old boy I worked with in his preschool. Every time the class moved from one activity to the next…playground to classroom, circle time to centers, or even from something he didn’t like to something he did, Sam would fall apart. He screamed, dropped to the floor, and sometimes even lashed out in frustration.
At first, it looked like “behavior.” But what I came to understand was that Sam wasn’t misbehaving, he was overwhelmed. Transitions happened suddenly. He was often in the middle of his play when the teacher called out, “Time to line up!” and the shift felt abrupt and overwhelming.
Once we slowed things down and gave him support, everything changed.
💡 A visual schedule so he could see what was coming next.
💡 A predictable transition song that gave his brain a cue.
💡 Pointing out what his peers were doing so he had a clear model.
💡 And when possible, just a minute or two to finish his play plan before moving on.
With these supports, Sam began to feel prepared instead of blindsided. Transitions became smoother—for him, his teachers, and his friends.
👉 The truth is, transitions are tough for a lot of kids, especially at the start of the school year when routines are brand new. That’s why I created my Preschool Visual Schedule—a tool to help kids feel safe, prepared, and confident as they move through their day, at school or at home.
Because every child deserves to feel calm when the world shifts around them. 💛
💬 Comment SCHEDULE to get the link to our $3 visual schedule!
