Which planning practice helps accommodate interruptions and ensure smooth instruction?

• A. Long, uninterrupted instruction with no breaks
• B. Buffer times
• C. Skipping transitions
• D. Rigid adherence to script

Answer: (B)

Buffer times are built-in gaps between activities that let you absorb interruptions, catch up if something runs long, and keep the lesson flowing smoothly. In real instruction, interruptions—questions, tech hiccups, slow transitions—are almost guaranteed. Having a little extra time between segments gives you room to address these without rushing, reorient students, and maintain a steady pace. This makes transitions smoother and helps preserve the lesson’s structure, so you don’t have to sacrifice content or derail momentum when something pops up. Without these cushions, you’re forced to push through, which can lead to missed material or a rushed finish. Skipping transitions or sticking rigidly to a script removes the flexibility you need to adapt to what actually happens in the moment, whereas buffer times provide both adaptability and predictability.