Which strategy supports transitions for students with self-control difficulties?

• A. Extend transitions indefinitely
• B. Skip transitions
• C. Use a timer to indicate remaining time and brief transitions
• D. Surprise changes

Answer: (C)

For students who have self-control difficulties, transitions need to be clear, predictable, and manageably timed. Using a timer to show how much time remains gives a concrete cue that a change is coming and how long it will take, so the student can prepare to move without rushing or acting out. Keeping transitions brief minimizes the time they must sustain attention or hold competing impulses, reducing opportunities for disruption and helping maintain focus on the new activity. This approach builds a consistent routine and lowers surprises, which supports self-regulation during shifts between tasks. Options that extend transitions indefinitely remove structure, making shifts harder to anticipate; skipping transitions eliminates the cue that a change is imminent; and surprise changes increase arousal and uncertainty, making it harder to comply. In short, a timer with brief transitions provides a clear, predictable framework that supports smoother, more controlled transitions.