Teaching Through Transition Times

Here's a quick idea that might help if you struggle with transition times...

When I was new, my class would be going fine, they when we transitioned to a new activity or passed out a material, I'd lose them.  The time lost passing getting my students focus back after passing out papers really started to pile up (especially since I move through several activities in most class periods).  

Waiting for a guided note taking sheet or map or reading activity is a terrible time to teach new content, but a great time to review!

Here's a typical one, "While my friend Brian passes out your note taking sheet, who can tell me what part of a map tells you what the symbols mean?"  Then, use the answer to prompt other questions, "Great job, Maddie!  Now, who can tell me another part of a map?" and so on.  It usually only takes three or four questions before the papers are passed out and your class is ready to go!  You can even keep score to see which table answers the most questions if you want to build more buy-in by making it a game.