What strategy should a teacher use to help first-grade students anticipate transitions throughout the day?

Using clear visual prompts to enhance a posted schedule is an effective strategy to help first-grade students anticipate transitions throughout the day. Young children often respond well to visual cues, which can aid in their understanding of the day's structure and expected activities. Visual prompts can include pictures or icons that represent different parts of the schedule, such as snack time, recess, or storytime. This approach not only reinforces the schedule but also provides a tangible reference that students can look at and interpret on their own, helping them to mentally prepare for the next activity.

By employing this strategy, students can gain a sense of security and predictability within their daily routine, which is crucial for their developmental stage. Children are typically more engaged and less anxious when they can visualize and anticipate what is coming next, leading to smoother transitions and a more organized classroom environment.

Other choices such as class buddies, providing copies of the schedule, or reviewing the schedule with the class may be beneficial but may not be as immediately effective as using visual prompts directly associated with the posted schedule that the students can see at all times. These methods could support transitions indirectly, but they do not provide the immediate visual cues that facilitate quick recognition and understanding.