Transition Activity Selector
Choose a short activity for arrivals or waiting, using the time, movement and materials available.
Six activity ideas. Enable JavaScript to narrow the choices.
No activities match these choices. Allow more time or choose another activity style.
Notice a shape
2 minutes suggested · Quiet
Materials: None
Invite children to point to a circle, straight edge or repeating pattern they can see from their place. Ask for one more example, then finish with the agreed signal.
Ways to join: Point, describe, draw in the air or observe. Keep everyone in the agreed space; this is not a collecting hunt.
Copy a small gesture
2 minutes suggested · Gentle movement
Materials: None
Show a small hand or arm gesture that can be copied from a seated or standing place. Try three different gestures, then ask a volunteer to suggest the last one.
Ways to join: Offer a smaller movement, a spoken description or watching. Do not touch or move another person.
One-word story
5 minutes suggested · Quiet
Materials: None
Start a fictional story with one word. Invite each willing participant to add a word; passing is allowed. Pause after a short round and give the story an ending together.
Ways to join: Let children suggest a whole phrase, point to an object as an idea or listen. For a large group, use a few volunteers rather than waiting for everyone.
Mirror a slow movement
5 minutes suggested · Gentle movement
Materials: None
An adult leads a slow hand or arm movement. Children can mirror it from their own place. Change the leader for one short round, then return hands to a resting position.
Ways to join: Use seated movements and leave space between people. Offer watching or describing a movement; no running or contact is needed.
Draw three possibilities
10 minutes suggested · Quiet
Materials: Scrap paper and pencils
Give each willing child scrap paper and a pencil. Draw three different things that could start with the same simple line or shape. Invite sharing, then place work in the agreed holding tray.
Ways to join: An adult or partner can draw suggestions. Children can describe ideas instead of drawing; leave unfinished work available to return to later.
Pass an imaginary object
10 minutes suggested · Gentle movement
Materials: None
Describe an imaginary object, such as a feather or an enormous balloon. Volunteers mime holding it in their own space and describe how it changes. Finish with everyone imagining it resting on a shelf.
Ways to join: Offer describing, a small hand gesture or observing. Keep this in personal spaces rather than physically passing or touching anyone.
Use a short activity while the next space is prepared
Times are suggested limits, not measured completion times. Choose one idea, explain the finish signal and end the activity when the next part of the session is ready. Keep access paths clear and follow your usual supervision arrangements. Offer listening or observing as well as taking part; these activities are not behaviour tests.
For younger children, model one action or offer a concrete story idea. Older children can suggest a gesture, shape or fictional object. Use a small group or volunteers when turns would otherwise take longer than the time available. No names, responses or participation records are saved.
Need something to continue for longer? Open the activity finder or add an activity to the program planner.