Sand Timer Teacher Guide Falling Sand Teacher Guide
Lesson 1: Exploring Sand Timers
Learning Goal
Students will observe sand falling in a timer and identify that when the sand stops moving, the activity is "all done."
Materials Needed
Variety of sand timers (30s, 1m, 3m)
"Sand Timer Challenge" worksheet
"Falling Sand" slides
Large classroom sand timer
Lesson Steps
1
The Magic Sand Hook (5 mins)
Show a large sand timer. Tell the students: "This sand is magic. When it falls, we are frozen like statues. When it stops, the magic spell breaks!" Flip the timer and have everyone "freeze" until the sand runs out.
2
Observation Inquiry (10 mins)
Hand out small sand timers to pairs. Ask: "Where does the sand go? Is it fast or slow? What happens when there is no more sand at the top?" Encourage them to flip it multiple times.
3
Timer Challenges (15 mins)
Perform three challenges using the worksheet.Jump until the sand runs out.Clap until the sand runs out.Draw until the sand runs out.
Teacher Tips
For students with visual impairments, use a "sand" timer that has a distinct clicking sound or use a sensory bottle with glitter that settles at a similar pace.
Key Language
"Watching the sand fall."
"Almost done... All done!"
"Wait for the sand."
Falling Sand Slides Falling Sand
Becoming a Timer Hero: Level 1
The Sand Timer
It shows us time moving!
The Sand Falls
The sand drops from the top to the bottom.
All Done
When the top is empty, we are finished!
Magic Statue!
Can you freeze like a statue until the sand stops falling?
1
Flip Timer
2
FREEZE
3
WIGGLE!
Fast or Slow?
Little Sand
This sand falls fast!
Lots of Sand
This sand takes a long time.
Your Mission
Use your Timer Hero powers to watch the sand!
Can you finish your activity before the sand runs out?
Ready, Set, Flip!
Sand Timer Challenge Worksheet Timer Challenge
Name:
Level 1
How to Play
Flip your timer! Do the action until all the sand falls. Draw a SMILEY FACE when you finish!
Jump!
Jump while the sand falls
Clap!
Clap while the sand falls
Draw!
Scribble while the sand falls
You are a Timer Hero!
Red Zone Teacher Guide The Red Slice Teacher Guide
Lesson 2: Visual Countdown Clocks
Learning Goal
Students will understand that the disappearing red disk on a timer means the remaining time is getting shorter.
Materials Needed
Visual countdown timer (e.g., Time Timer)
"Cleanup Race Chart"
"The Red Slice" slides
Basket of mixed toys/blocks
Lesson Steps
1
The Disappearing Red Slice (5 mins)
Show the visual timer. Move the disk to show a large red area. Explain: "This red slice is our time. When we work, the red slice gets smaller and smaller. When the red is gone, we are all done!"
2
Racing the Red (10 mins)
Set the timer for 3 minutes. Challenge students to put all the "magic blocks" back in the bin before the red slice disappears.Check-in Point: Pause when the slice is halfway. Ask: "Is the red slice getting bigger or smaller? Do we need to move faster or slower?"
3
The Cleanup Race (15 mins)
Use the "Cleanup Race Chart". Give students specific categories to clean up (blocks, books, puzzles). They must check off each item before the timer goes off.
Scaffolding
For students who feel anxious about the "race," frame it as "Helping the Red Slice" rather than a high-pressure competition. Use hand-over-hand assistance to guide their pace.
Key Cues
"Look at the red slice."
"It's getting smaller!"
"Fast hands, happy hearts."
The Red Slice Slides The Red Slice
Becoming a Timer Hero: Level 2
Meet the Clock
The Red Slice
This is our time!
1
Red means GO!
2
When the red disappears , time is getting shorter.
3
White means ALL DONE!
Race the Red!
Can you put the toys away before the red slice goes away?
Ready... Set... Cleanup!
Is the Red Still There?
Big Slice
We have lots of time!
Little Slice
Work fast ! Almost done!
Timer Hero Power!
You are learning to use the Red Slice.
Watch the Red
Move Your Hands
Finish the Job!
Cleanup Race Chart Cleanup Race
Race the Red Slice!
Hero:
Put these away before the red slice disappears!
Blocks
In the blue bin
Books
On the shelf
Toys
In the big box
Fast Cleanup Hero!
Waiting Strategies Slides The Waiting Game
Timer Hero Level 3: Patience Power
Waiting is a Power!
The timer is moving...
I am calm and ready.
Now it's my turn!
My eyes watch the timer.
Waiting Strategies
Breathe
Take a deep breath in and out.
Sing
Hum a happy song in your head.
Fidget
Give your hands something to do.
Practice Waiting
We are waiting for the Treasure Box!
Set Timer
Wait Calmly
Open Box!
You are Patient!
Timer Heroes know how to wait with a smile.
Ready for the Next Power?
Waiting Strategy Cards Waiting Toolbox Cards
Strategies for Timer Heroes
Cut these cards out. Use them during the "Waiting Game" to help students choose a strategy.
Breathe
I take a deep breath in and out.
Hum a Song
I sing a happy song in my head.
Fidget
I play with a small toy in my hands.
Count
I count to 10 very slowly.
Stretch
I stretch my arms up high.
Watch
I watch the timer move closer to done.
Waiting Practice Guide Waiting Game Teacher Guide
Lesson 3: Patience & Strategies
Learning Goal
Students will practice using a calming strategy while waiting for a visual timer to finish.
Materials Needed
Visual timer
"Waiting Strategy Cards"
"Treasure Box" (locked or closed container)
Preferred stickers or small prizes
Lesson Steps
1
The Hard Job of Waiting (5 mins)
Show the students the locked Treasure Box. Say: "Inside this box is a surprise! But we can't open it until the timer is all white. Waiting is hard, but we are Timer Heroes!"
2
Picking a Strategy (10 mins)
Introduce the Waiting Strategy Cards. Have each student pick a card (Breathe, Sing, Fidget, etc.) and practice it once while looking at the timer.
3
The Waiting Game (10-15 mins)
Set the timer for 1-2 minutes. Everyone must use their chosen strategy while waiting.Teacher Role: Verbally reinforce students who are waiting calmly: "I see [Name] using their breathing power! I see [Name] watching the red slice!"
Modification
Start with very short durations (15-30 seconds) for students with high impulsivity. Increase the time as they master the strategies. If a student grabs for the box, calmly reset the timer and pick a new strategy.
Success Look Like...
Student chooses a strategy card.
Student keeps hands to self.
Student watches the timer.
Student waits until the alarm sounds.
Stop and Go Slides Sound the Alarm
Timer Hero Level 4: Listen and Look
The Magic Beep
BEEP BEEP!
When the timer is finished, it makes a sound .
Sound means STOP!
GO
Red is on the timer
STOP
The timer beeps!
Alarm Game
When the timer is RED , we move around!
When it BEEPS , we hands on heads!
Hero Ears!
You are a master of the Alarm.
Listening is a superpower!
Stop and Go Sorting Activity Stop or Go?
A Timer Hero Sorting Game
GO!
STOP
Cut and Glue!
Red on the timer
BEEP BEEP sound
No red left
Tiny bit of red
Timer Alarm
Sand is falling
Alarm Games Teacher Guide Sound the Alarm Teacher Guide
Lesson 4: Auditory Alarms & Stop/Go Signals
Learning Goal
Students will demonstrate an immediate "Stop" response to an auditory timer alarm.
Materials Needed
Visual timer with audible alarm
"Stop and Go" Sorting Activity
"Sound the Alarm" slides
Hand-held Stop/Go sign (optional)
Lesson Steps
1
The Secret Sound (5 mins)
Hide the timer behind your back or under a cloth. Set it for 10 seconds. When it beeps, have students put their hands on their heads. Explain: "This sound is the Boss! When the Boss speaks, we stop what we are doing."
2
Stop and Go Dance (15 mins)
Play music or lead the class in a "wiggle walk." Set the timer for varying short intervals (15-45 seconds).GO: When there is red on the timer, students move.STOP: When the alarm beeps, students must freeze. Use a physical "Stop" sign as a secondary visual prompt.
3
Sorting the Signals (15 mins)
Transition to the "Stop and Go Sorting Activity." Help students identify which pictures mean we are still working (GO) and which mean we have finished (STOP).
Misconceptions
Students may think they only stop if the teacher says so. Emphasize that the timer is the boss, and even the teacher stops when the timer beeps! Model this by stopping mid-sentence when the alarm sounds.
Auditory Prep
"Listen for the beep!"
Time Keeper Power Slides Time Keeper Power
Timer Hero Level 5: You are the Boss!
The Time Keeper
A Special Job
I help my friends take turns.
I set the timer for the group.
I say, "Time's up!" when it beeps.
The Timer is Fair
Everyone gets the same amount of red.
My Turn
Your Turn
How to Set the Power
1
Turn
Turn the knob to make it RED.
2
Wait
Hands off! The timer is doing its job.
3
Listen
Listen for the BEEP!
Ultimate Timer Hero!
You know how to see time. You know how to wait. You know how to lead!
Time Keeper Badges Time Keeper Badges
Official Timer Hero Badges
Print on cardstock, cut out, and laminate. Use with a clip or lanyard!
Official
TIME
KEEPER
Level 5
TIMER
HERO
I am Fair!
Lead Hero
TIME
KEEPER
Transition
ALARM
CHIEF
Turn Taking Tracker Turn Tracker
Fair Turns for Timer Heroes
Playing Now
Photo or
My Turn!
Watch the Red Slice
Waiting Room
Next
Then
Then
"When the timer beeps, we move the cards! Next hero's turn!"
Time Keeper Teacher Guide Time Keeper Teacher Guide
Lesson 5: Empowering the Timer Hero
Learning Goal
Students will take turns setting a visual timer for group activities and use the "Turn Tracker" to manage peer turns fairly.
Materials Needed
Visual countdown timer
"Time Keeper Badges"
"Turn Taking Tracker"
Student name/photo cards with Velcro
Lesson Steps
1
Assigning the Power (5 mins)
Introduce the "Time Keeper" role. Choose one student (the "Hero of the Day") to wear the badge. Explain: "Today, you are in charge of the time. You will help us know when to start and when to stop."
2
Setting the Group Timer (10 mins)
During center time or a group activity, have the Time Keeper set the timer for a transition. Practice saying: "Time is starting! Look at the red!"
3
Using the Turn Tracker (15 mins)
Set up a highly preferred toy (e.g., a special truck). Have the Time Keeper place name cards on the "Turn Tracker."
Fairness First
The timer acts as a "neutral third party." If a student gets upset about their turn ending, refer back to the timer: "The timer told us it was time to stop. It's the timer's job to keep things fair."
Graduation
"I am a great Time Keeper!"
