Music & Transitions

Age Level: 0 – 5 years

Why are transitions important?

Transitions can be a stressful part of a child’s day. Often transitions are not the child’s choice and can be challenging. It’s important to make these transitions as calmly and positively as possible.

How does music help with transitions:

Singing instructions with a familiar tune can make this time enjoyable while reducing anxiety. By singing instructions, language is slowed down, and ideas are repeated. This results in a greater focus for children. Adding clapping and other physical actions maintains focus while keeping children engaged.

Musical tips to ease transitions:

Choo Choo Song

This is the Way

The More We Get Together

Choo Choo Song

Change underlined words to each child’s name, and locations that fit the situation in the following song:

Choo Choo Song

  • Choo, choo, choo, choo
  • Choo, choo, choo, choo
  • Down the railroad track.
  • Choo, choo, choo, choo
  • Choo choo, choo, choo
  • Then, it comes right back.
  • First it goes to __________.
  • Then it goes to __________.
  • Then, it goes to __________.
  • Then it comes right back.
  • Repeat…

This is the Way

Change the actions to words like “wash,” “walk down the hall,” “clean up our toys,” etc. to fit the situation.

This is the Way
(Sung to the tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush)

  • This is the way we _______________,
  • _______________, _______________.
  • This is the way we _______________.
  • So early in the morning.

The More We Get Together
Change the words/actions to fit the situation like “clean,” “get our coats on,” etc. The More We Get Together
  • The more we get ____________,
  • ____________, ____________.
  • The more we get ____________,
  • The happier we’ll be.

Change underlined words to each child’s name, and locations that fit the situation in the following song:

Choo Choo Song

  • Choo, choo, choo, choo
  • Choo, choo, choo, choo
  • Down the railroad track.
  • Choo, choo, choo, choo
  • Choo choo, choo, choo
  • Then, it comes right back.
  • First it goes to __________.
  • Then it goes to __________.
  • Then, it goes to __________.
  • Then it comes right back.
  • Repeat…

Change the actions to words like “wash,” “walk down the hall,” “clean up our toys,” etc. to fit the situation.

This is the Way
(Sung to the tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush)

  • This is the way we _______________,
  • _______________, _______________.
  • This is the way we _______________.
  • So early in the morning.
Change the words/actions to fit the situation like “clean,” “get our coats on,” etc. The More We Get Together
  • The more we get ____________,
  • ____________, ____________.
  • The more we get ____________,
  • The happier we’ll be.

Printable Resources

Transition flashcards icon

Flashcards provide rapid access to musical tips to help with transitions, daily routines, and big feelings. Flashcards can be worn on a lanyard so when a classroom challenge arises, you can scan a QR code to get quick support.

Print Flashcards

Tip Sheets complement flashcards by providing in-depth ideas to use music to support young children’s learning and development.

Print Tip sheet

Flashcards provide rapid access to musical tips to help with transitions, daily routines, and big feelings. Flashcards can be worn on a lanyard so when a classroom challenge arises, you can scan a QR code to get quick support.

Tip Sheets complement flashcards by providing in-depth ideas to use music to support young children’s learning and development.

Print Flashcards
Print Tip sheet

More Learning with Music: