special education visual timers on table at IEP meeting for use by special education teachers and parents

Time Management Made Visual

Picture this: A kitchen, a frustrated mom, and a daughter who was struggling to grasp the concept of time. 

Jan Rogers, mom-turned-inventor, didn't wait for someone else to solve her problem. She grabbed paper plates and markers and created the first Time Timer® prototype right there in her kitchen. Talk about DIY parenting!

From those humble beginnings, Time Timer® has evolved into a range of products that's got the Special Education community buzzing like a hive of very organized bees.

The Time Timer® Family (There's One for Every Flavor of Time Management Struggle)

Let's break it down:

  1. The Classic: It's the OG. A 3x3 inch timer with a red disk that disappears like your motivation on a Monday morning.
  2. The Plus Line: For when you need your time management on-the-go. Comes with a handle and volume control.
  3. The Mod: Pairs with a dry-erase board. 
  4. The Twist: The digital rebel of the family. You can pause it, which is more than we can say for actual time.
  5. The Watch: Time management on your wrist. ACT and SAT approved.

Here's why this tool is changing lives faster than you can say "Where did the time go?":

  • Teaches time management skills (So long, missed buses and cold dinners!)
  • Smooths out transitions (Less "5 more minutes!" and more actual moving)
  • Breaks tasks into bite-sized chunks (Because who doesn't love their work in appetizer form?)
  • Boosts independence in daily routines (Yaaaas!)
  • Supports self-regulation (It's like yoga, but for your sense of time)

And it's not just for students with IEPs. This tool is for anyone who's ever looked at a clock and thought, "How is it 3 PM already?"

Time Timer® and IEPs: A Love Story

Here's the truth: Time Timer® can be considered assistive technology. That means it could potentially be included in your child's IEP. I know, right? It's like finding out your favorite snack is actually a superfood.

Want to get Time Timer® funded for your classroom or included in your child's IEP? 

  1. Snag the Time Timer® Time Saving Guide for IEPs.
  2. Use my letter template to make your case. (It's like Mad Libs, but for education funding.)
  3. Hit up Time Timer®'s customer service for extra info.

Rethinking Time Management Goals in IEPs

Let's talk IEP goals. Ready for functional time management skills? Think:

  • Using a visual timer to complete tasks (without having a crisis)
  • Transitioning between activities independently (bye-bye, human alarm clock)
  • Planning and prioritizing tasks (like a tiny CEO)

These are the skills that'll set our students up for success in the real world. 

Time Timer® Beyond the Classroom

Time Timer® isn't just for school. It's a lifesaver at home too:

  • Setting reading time for bedtime routines (because "one more chapter" is never just one)
  • Managing screen time (Parents, meet your new best friend)
  • Helping kids understand how long until an activity (reducing "Are we there yet?" by 50%)
  • Giving parents uninterrupted work time (It's like a "Do Not Disturb" sign, but it actually works)

Time Timer® isn't just a clock – it's a visual lifeline for anyone who's ever felt like time is a slippery fish they just can't catch. Whether you're a Special Education teacher, a parent, or just someone who wants to stop being fashionably late to everything, Time Timer® has your back.

Check out the Time Timer® Time Saving Guide for IEPs. And if you've got questions about using visual timers in your classroom or at home, don't be shy – reach out anytime!

Because let's face it, we could all use a little help in the "Where did my day go?" department. Find Time Timer® on Amazon.

 

 

 

Download Your Time Saving IEP Guide