transitions

​     As you are arranging your general rhythm, remember that transitions can be the toughest part of the day. They often require the most focused attention and when they devolve tend to quickly derail even the best day. Transitional challenges are our greatest testing grounds. Never fear, each day, each moment, is a new beginning in which we can step back, breathe and self regulate. 

     One of our practices is to imagine a column of light that reaches from the highest point in the heavens down to the center of the earth. This light holds all that we need to right ourselves. Step backwards into that light and take 3 deep breaths. After doing this, the disaster before us usually holds an element of humor. We can laugh at ourselves and the situation because in reality it’s so transitory and once we let go and smile, all kinds of magic is released and the energy shifts. 

     Another tip is to sing. Singing changes us and changes the children; just pick a tune and sing what you want to have happen… that brings humor as well. 

     At the end of the day, take a look at the moments where the day fell apart; it’s usually during a transition. Rethink it for the next day; what can you change, what were the children actually needing?

     Below, you'll find many of the transition songs we use in the day. Both Kindergarten and Morning Glory songs are included. Morning Glory songs are very similar but typically simpler and shorter.

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clean up songs

Lily and Rose Clean up Song​
I know a tidy little gnome, 
who says it’s time to clean our home,
We clean our home (or another job),
like the tidy little gnome. (Morning Glory children sing only the first verse)

I know a tidy little gnome, 
who says it’s time to clean our home,
​We gather all our toys,
and put them all away

I know a tidy little gnome
who says it's time to clean our home,
We work, work, work,
like the tidy little gnome

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transition to outside play

Lily and Rose Transition
​*Sung: Come out and play,
bright is the day,
The birds are all singing,
the flowers are gay.
Come out and play,
bright is the day,
The birds are all singing,
the flowers are gay.
Stretching up oh so high,
trying to reach the sky,
Come out and play,
​bright is the day,
The birds are all singing,
​the flowers are gay.

Morning Glory Transition
Down by the station
early In the morning
see the little pufferbellies
all in a row.

 See the station master
pulling on the handle
puff, puff, toot, toot
off we go! 

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morning glory transitions to inside

Walking to the Classroom
OK…All aboard the Morning Glory train!”
*singing* follow, follow, follow
follow, follow
follow, follow, follow
follow me!

to the classroom
to the classroom
to the classroom
follow me!

Before we enter the classroom
 *singing* we wipe our feet
we wipe our feet
we wipe them two by two.
we wipe our feet
we wipe our feet
that is what we do,
two by two.

Once inside
*singing* inside shoes, and inside voices,
inside shoes, and inside voices.
our shoes go two by two,
noses touching the wall.

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bedtime rhythm

Here are a few songs for the transition to bedtime.
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Brush Your Teeth Song - Raffi Cover

Morningtown Ride - Raffi Cover

Sweet Planet of Ours

Bedtime Verse