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:
- The Classic: It's the OG. A 3x3 inch timer with a red disk that disappears like your motivation on a Monday morning.
- The Plus Line: For when you need your time management on-the-go. Comes with a handle and volume control.
- The Mod: Pairs with a dry-erase board.
- The Twist: The digital rebel of the family. You can pause it, which is more than we can say for actual time.
- 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?
- Snag the Time Timer® Time Saving Guide for IEPs.
- Use my letter template to make your case. (It's like Mad Libs, but for education funding.)
- 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.