Do you find that your student struggles to remain focused while working? Is it difficult to motivate your child to stay on-task for a certain amount of time? Or is it difficult to move away from ‘break time’?
One great tool that often helps students (young and old) to stay on-task, or understands that a break is over is the visual timer!
What Does a Visual Timer Do?
- A visual timer provides a visual representation of time as it passes
- A colored circle, which can be set to the amount of time you choose, moves closer and closer to the ‘0’ overtime
- Once the set amount of time runs out, a beeping sound is heard
What Can a Visual Timer be Used For?
- To show an amount of time left within a difficult/non-preferred activity
- For example: First practice handwriting for five minutes. Then, when the timer beeps, you can play one iPad racing game.
- To show an amount of time left within a ‘break’, particularly when that activity has no natural, clear ending
- For example: You may take a two-minute break to play on the iPad. When the timer beeps, we will turn the iPad off.
- To allow a student time to mentally prepare for a challenging task
- For example: We are going to brush our teeth. You can spend five more minutes in your room. Then, when the timer beeps, we will brush teeth.
How Can I Use a Visual Timer with My Student?
- Introduce the visual timer, using First/Then language
- For example: “First we will work until the timer beeps, and then you can have a short break”
- While using the timer, provide a couple of verbal reminders that the time is decreasing, particularly within the minute or two before the timer beeps
- For younger students, you might use language like, “The red is getting smaller” as a reminder that the time is decreasing
- Use only a small amount of time at first
- As your student becomes more familiar with the timer and understands how it is used, you might lengthen task time as the student is able
Who May Benefit from Using a Visual Timer?
- Children who struggle to understand the abstract concept of time
- For example, a young child may not realize that “five minutes” is not a very long time
- Children who are motivated to complete work when given concrete rewards
- Children who do best when provided with a concrete plan
- Children who benefit from ‘warnings’ prior to a change in routine or non-preferred event (most children do!)
If you are interested in purchasing a visual timer for your home, there are many different options available on Amazon. Also, check out some additional strategies for helping your child stay motivated here and here.
Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in the Iowa City, IA area and Des Moines, IA area. We provide individual speech-language therapy and tutoring as well as offering small group academic programs. At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center our passion is to help kids achieve effective communication skills and gain academic success. Contact us for more information on how we can help your child succeed.
info@enrichmenttherapies.com
740 Community Drive, Unit A
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-626-2553
infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com
5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300
Johnston, IA 50131
515-419-4270
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