Music for Transitions

It’s probably not a secret that kids have a difficult time with transitions. Whether it’s cleaning up toys, getting out of the house, or leaving the playground, transitions can be challenging. So what can we do to help during these difficult moments? 

One great way to help kids transition is to prepare them in advance. Time is an abstract concept to kids, so just saying "we have 5 minutes left" isn't always helpful for their bodies to prepare. Instead, you could try using a visual timer so they can physically see how much time is left. You can find these for free virtually (see link on left) to use on your phone or iPad or physically, like on Amazon (see below)

Visual timer example from Amazon

Music can also be used as a timer. Maybe you play your child’s favorite song and say something like “When this song is over, we are going to get out of the tub”. It could also just be a verbal reminder like “after this episode is over, we are going to turn the TV off”. 

One way music has been used to transition in many settings is by playing a clean-up song. The most familiar probably goes something like this “Clean up, clean up everybody everywhere. Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share” (cue childhood memories from watching Barney). Maybe you find your own special clean up song you like or just play any favorite song and say “Okay, let’s see if we can clean up before the song ends!”. We linked some of our favorites below:

• “Clean Up Song” by Gracie’s Corner

• “Clean It Up” by Laurie Berkner

• “Clean It Up!" by The Juicebox Jutebox

Another way music can be used to help with transitions is by singing directions instead of speaking them. Kids hear verbal directions all day and sometimes music has a way of breaking through the monotony for them. This could be as easy as making up your own melody while putting on shoes to go outside or using a familiar song like Twinkle Twinkle or Frere Jacques. It doesn’t even have to rhyme!

An example of rewriting Frere Jacques: 

Put your coat on, put your coat on

Zip it up, zip it up

Time to get our shoes on, time to get our shoes on

So we can go play, so we can go play! 

Another example to the tune of “London Bridge”

Time to put ____ away, ____ away, _____ away

Time to put ____ away, so we can __________. 

And if you're looking for more inspiration, check out these videos with some transition songs being modeled for you!

The possibilities

are endless!