When are children most frequently left behind or misplaced?
Children are frequently lost, misplaced, left behind, or allowed to walk away from the group during transition times. Transition times are when children are moving from one activity to the next or from one location to another. Such as, from the classroom to outside or to the gym. It is during transition periods children are required to do the same thing to make a smooth transition. The problem is that children are not machines and they are not always inclined to do the same thing every time. When a new child is added to this equation the chance of a mistake increases if you do not have a routine in place to supervise the children. Without a routine for supervision during transition times children will stray away from the group or stay in place when the group leaves the classroom or area.
The main reason why children are lost or left behind during transition periods is because caregivers are not watching the children. An important part of accounting for each child is to complete a name -to- face of the children before leaving the classroom or area. This will assure that all of the children are accounted for. Just counting the children could provide an incorrect number especially if you are in an area with other groups of children from different classes. Having the correct number does not always guarantee that you have the correct children. Therefore, a name-to-face is crucial. For older children you can give them place cards. They will receive the card as the exit the classroom and before you enter the next location they will return the card assuring that all children are accounted for. The same will be implemented when you return to the classroom. The cards can be a second way to maintain an accurate count of the children. For younger children you can utilize lanyards.
http://www.drthomasa.com/transition-time/
http://www.drthomasa.com/transitiontime/