Tip 8
Transitioning from Fun Activities to School Work
Summary
A transition is a disruption in an activity, location, or routine that requires a person to adapt. Getting your child to transition from a fun activity to schoolwork can be a challenge. It is helpful to use a daily schedule paired with reinforcement your child can earn for completing school work (Tip 3).
Another simple technique to transition a child from a highly preferred activity is to identify something else favorable within the next activity (i.e. if your child loves to take a bath, follow bath time by having them put their pajamas on and choosing a favorite book to read).
Checklist
⃞ Set clear expectations
⃞ Use a timer
⃞ Provide a verbal cue/warning 5 minutes before ending the activity, and again in 1 minute.
⃞ Use a visual schedule so they can see what is happening next.
⃞ When transitioning from a "fun activity" to school work, incorporate a preferred short activity that has a clear beginning and end (i.e. puzzle, word search, seek and find, etc.).
⃞ Avoid using the words "time for work". Instead say, "Time is up. Check your schedule and pick what you would like to earn next."