Introduction

Change is an inevitable part of life, and it is essential for kindergarten students to learn how to cope with it effectively. Adapting to change can be challenging, especially for young children who thrive on routines and predictability. In this blog post, we will discuss the concept of “Switching Tracks” as a metaphor for handling change and provide a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help educators teach kindergarten students the importance of staying calm during changes in their routines.

No-Prep Activity: The Train Game

This simple activity requires no preparation or materials and helps students practice adjusting to changes in a fun and engaging way. Have the students form a line, with each child placing their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them, creating a “train.” The educator will act as the train conductor and call out different actions for the train to perform, such as “slow down,” “speed up,” “stop,” or “change direction.” As the conductor calls out the actions, the children must respond and adapt to the changes, demonstrating their ability to “switch tracks” and handle change calmly.

Discussion Questions

1. How did you feel when the train’s actions changed unexpectedly? Were you able to adapt quickly?
2. Can you think of a time when you had to switch tracks in your own life? How did you handle the change?
3. What strategies can you use to stay calm and think clearly when you face changes in your routine?
4. Why is it important to ask questions and listen carefully when plans change?
5. What is one positive thing you can think of about a change you have experienced?

Related Skills

Teaching kindergarten students to handle change is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other related skills that contribute to their overall development include:

• Problem-solving: Learning to identify and overcome challenges in a constructive manner.
• Emotional regulation: Developing the ability to manage emotions effectively and respond appropriately to various situations.
• Communication: Building strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills to express thoughts and feelings clearly.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, promoting kindness and compassion.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the concept of Switching Tracks and how it can help kindergarten students handle change, we encourage you to explore more social-emotional learning activities and resources. To get free samples of skill-building materials, including the ones discussed in this blog post, sign up for our sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources will provide you with valuable tools and strategies to support the social-emotional development of your students.