To help Cathy with transitions, which approach would be most effective?

• A. establishing a cue to alert Cathy five minutes before a transition is due to occur
• B. imposing a negative consequence whenever Cathy resists making a transition
• C. permitting Cathy to choose between two new activities when she transitions cooperatively
• D. reminding Cathy when she arrives at school that she should prepare herself for transitions

Answer: (A)

Providing a clear, advance cue before transitions helps Cathy anticipate the change and prepare for what’s next, making the shift smoother. A five-minute warning works well because it gives time to finish the current activity, gather materials, and mentally ready for the next task, which reduces surprise and resistance and supports a predictable routine. In practice, a simple cue—such as a visual timer or a specific signal—offers reliable lead time and helps Cathy transition with less stress. Other approaches can be less effective: punishment can undermine motivation and rapport; offering a choice during the transition may complicate timing and routine; and reminders only after arrival come too late to prepare for the change. So, the five-minute cue before transitions is the most effective approach.