Portable Transition Icons: A simple visual support for on-the-go transitions

Transitions happen all day long, and for many learners, moving from one activity or location to another can feel overwhelming without clear, concrete support.

🎉 Holds 16 icons total, double-sided, and fully swappable so you can switch them out based on your day, your routine, and your students' needs/behaviors 🔄

Portable Transition Icons are designed to make transitions calmer, clearer, and easier to understand by giving students a visual they can see 👀, hold ✋, and carry with them.

Unlike traditional lanyards or stacked visual systems that require flipping and searching, this tool allows educators and students to see all selected icons at the same time. The Velcro-backed icons can be removed and placed directly into a learner’s hands, turning the visual into a transition item rather than something that stays with the adult.

When the visual stays with the student, transitions feel more predictable, supported, and less disruptive.

💡 Why Teachers Love This Over a Lanyard
• No flipping or searching 🔄
• All selected icons visible at once 👀
• The visual doesn’t leave when you walk away 🚫🎒
• Icons can be handed to students to hold ✋
• Supports smoother movement between activities and locations ➡️
📦 What’s Included

• Portable Transition Icons card (two-sided)
• 150+ icons, each 1.5 x 1.5 inches 🧩
• Velcro placement guide 🧲
• Icons that coordinate with matching mats for:
🏠 Home
🚌 Bus
🚽 Toilet
🪑 Circle Time
🍳 Breakfast
🍽️ Lunch
🍎 Snack Time

📄 This resource is a printable PDF. No physical items will be mailed.

🔁 How It Works
• Attach frequently used icons to the Portable Transition Icons card
• During transitions, remove the icon and hand it directly to the student
• The student carries the icon to the next location
• Once the transition is complete, return the icon to the card or place it on a matching mat
• Change icons as routines and schedules shift throughout the day

🧠 Classroom Examples
• Recess ➡️ snack: Hand the snack icon to show what’s coming next 🍎
• Circle time ➡️ bathroom: Quietly hand the toilet icon without disrupting the group 🚽
• On-the-go support: Keep the card on a key ring or retractable clip for quick access 🔑
• Student communication: Learners can point to or take the icon & hand it to you to communicate a need like toilet or break.
• Two-minute cleanup warning: Place the cleanup icon on a desk so the reminder stays with the student, not the adult 🧼

🎒 Best For
• Preschool and early childhood classrooms
• Special education and self-contained settings
• AAC users and visual learners
• Students who benefit from predictable transitions

🖨️ Printing & Assembly
• Print on cardstock for durability
• Laminate for long-term use
• Cut icons and card ✂️
• Add Velcro as indicated 🧲
• Hole punch the card if attaching to a key ring or lanyard
⚠️ Please Note

📥 This is a digital download
❌ No refunds are available for digital products