Using Timers for Support

The magic of timers.  Something so simple and yet so capable of engaging and serving as a meaningful support for children.  Here are just a few ideas.

1. Use timers to signify transitions.  This can be done at home and not just at school.  For example, " Sam, I see you are having a lot of fun.  I need to let you know though that we have five more minutes before it's time to clean up the cars to get ready for bed.  I am setting the timer right here so you can see how much time you have left."

2. Use them for turn taking.  So you have two children screaming over a jump rope.  Set the timer and allow them to take tuns.  Teaching the children how to use the timer is fantastic because they can then use it themselves.  Have multiple timers available ( 1 minute, 3 minute, 5 minute, etc....).  " Sally, you need to give Tom a turn next.  Do you want to give Tom a turn in three or five minutes?"  It's amazing how  suddenly the concept of timers is more grasping and a child can go from kicking and screaming to watching the timer intently while waiting or even engage in another activity while waiting (while occasionally checking the timer).

3. Use the timer to help children gain capacity to pay attention and stay engaged in an activity or task longer.  "We will do homework for____ number of minutes before taking a break today.  Tomorrow  we will see if er can do ten minutes!"  Children see this as a game or sometimes even ask to engage in undesired activities longer just for the challenge.

4. Speed things up.  Everyone has had the time when a child is dragging out an activity or task, whether that be defiant, tired, or in a completely withdrawn state.  I'd rather be doing anything but this right now!  The timer is great to make a game out of seemingly  "less fun tasks.  "Let's set the timer and see if we can beat it together while cleaning up this mess!"  And don't forget to have fun!! :)

Timers help children fee that they have some understanding and control over their environments.  Remember that timers are vest when kids can be in charge of them too!!  Let them self utilize timers to remind themselves of transitions, take turns, race the clock, and just have fun doing the task they don't prefer.  So take the timers out of the "TIME-OUT" area and get some real use of them during kids "TIME IN."

Timers can also help with routines and chores.........

Chores help children learn responsibility and self-reliance.