Planning for Student Behavior: Transitions That Reduce Disruptions

Research consistently shows that off-task behavior spikes during transitions — the moments between activities when expectations are unclear. A poorly planned transition can cost 3–5 minutes and derail the lesson's momentum.

The fix is simple: plan transitions as explicitly as you plan activities. What do students do with their current materials? Where do they go? What do they do when they get there? Answer these three questions and the transition runs itself.

Material change: 'When I say go, close your notebook, slide it to the corner of your desk, and pick up the blue handout from the center of your table.' Specific, physical, sequential.

Movement: 'Stand behind your chair. When I count to 3, walk to your lab station and read step 1 silently.' The silent reading gives them something to do immediately.

Format change: 'Turn your desk to face your partner. You have 30 seconds.' Use a visible timer. Practice until it takes under 60 seconds.

Every LessonCraft plan includes transition notes between sections with specific cues and timing. The transitions are part of the pacing calculation, so you never plan a 45-minute lesson that actually needs 55 minutes.