Timer Hero Slides Meet the Timers!
We are going to be Timer Heroes . Timers tell us when it is time to play and time to stop!
The Sand Timer
Watch the sand fall!
When the sand is gone, the time is done.
Time Left!
The Red Timer
See the Red?
When the red disappears, the timer will BEEP!
The Bubble Timer
Look at the bubbles drop. Drip, drop, drip, drop...
When bubbles stop, time stops!
Listen!
When we hear the beep or see the end...
We say: "All Done!"
ALL DONE
Timer Explorer Teacher Guide Timer Explorer
Teacher Facilitation Guide | Lesson 1
Lesson Goal
Students will observe different visual timers to build the foundational understanding that time "moves" and eventually "ends." This is a low-demand sensory exploration.
Focus Skills
Visual Tracking
Cause and Effect
Receptive Labeling
The Explorer's Kit
1
Large Sand Timer (2-3 min)
2
Visual Color Wheel Timer
3
Liquid Bubble Timer
4
Timer Hero Slides
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. The Hook (The Bubble Center)
Gather students in a circle. Place the Liquid Bubble Timer in the center. Don't say anything yet—just watch. As the bubbles fall, narrate: "Look at the bubbles. Drip, drop. They are moving!"
2. Slide Introduction
Go through the Timer Hero Slides. Introduce the names of the timers. Encourage students to point to the real timers you have in the room as they appear on the screen.
3. Sensory Exploration
Let students touch and manipulate the timers (with supervision). Use the "Wait" and "All Done" vocabulary repeatedly. "The red is going... almost done... ALL DONE!"
Differentiation Strategies
A
For Visual Seekers: Use a timer with bright colors or high-contrast liquid to maintain engagement.
B
For Motor Challenges: Secure timers to the table using Velcro or non-slip mats so they don't tip easily during exploration.
C
For Auditory Sensitivity: If using a digital timer, start with the volume off or very low, increasing gradually over several days.
Timer Scavenger Hunt Activity Timer Scavenger Hunt
Find the timers in your classroom!
Name: ____________________
Look around. Find the timer. Color the star!
Sand Timer
Red Timer
Bubble Timer
Beep Timer
Great job, Timer Hero! You found them all!
Wait Power Slides Wait Power!
Sometimes we have to wait.
I want the toy!
The toy is in the box.
The timer is still red.
When we Wait...
Hands down
Quiet mouth
Watch the timer
GO!
Time is Up!
The timer is green or the sand is gone!
Now you can PLAY!
Timer Hero Practice
Can you show me your Wait Power?
1. Set Timer
2. Wait
3. Play!
Wait Routine Facilitation Script Wait Power Script
Lesson 2: The 'Wait' Routine Facilitation
Objective
Students will practice the "Wait" superpower for 10-30 seconds to access a highly preferred item. The goal is calm bodies and attention to the visual timer.
Phase 1
"The Setup"
Show the student a preferred toy inside a transparent container.
"Look! It's the [Toy Name]. You want to play! First, we have to use our Wait Power."
Phase 2
"Setting the Timer"
Set the visual timer for 20 seconds. Point to the red disk or sand.
"Timer is Red. Hands down. Let's show our superpower! We are waiting... good waiting!"
Phase 3
"The Go Signal"
When the timer beeps or the sand is gone, immediately open the container.
" BEEP! Red is gone. Time is done! GO PLAY! High five for your Wait Power!"
Hero Training Tips
If they grab early:
Gently block the reach. Remind them: "Not yet. Timer is red. We are waiting." Restart the timer for a shorter duration if needed (5 seconds) to ensure success.
Positive Narration:
During the wait, praise the behaviors you see: "I like how your hands are quiet," or "Good job watching the sand!"
Wait Visual Support Cards Cut along the dotted lines. Laminate for durability. Use during the 'Wait' routine.
Wait
Look
Done
Play
First
Then
Wait with Timer
Your Choice!
Work and Play Slides Work Time!
When the timer is Red...
What is Work?
Blocks
Sorting
Drawing
Books
Follow the Timer!
Keep Working!
If there is still Red...
BUSY HANDS
EYES ON TASK
Red is Gone?
BEEP BEEP!
Hands up!
Ready to Work?
1
Get your
2
Timer Starts!
3
Hands
Task Timing Facilitation Guide Task Timing Guide
Lesson 3: Sustaining Attention to Tasks
The Red Rule
"While the timer is Red, our hands are Busy."
Success Tip
Use a task that is easy for the student. The goal is timing adherence, not task mastery.
How to Facilitate
1
Choose a "Timer Task"
Select sorting, coloring, or building. Present the material clearly. "Today, our Timer Hero job is [Task]."
2
Set the "Red" Period
Start with 1-2 minutes. Physically point to the red disk. "Look at the red! Go!"
3
Narrate the Effort
Provide verbal reinforcement every 20-30 seconds. "You are working! The red is still here. Keep going!"
Challenge Adjustment Task Fatigue Switch to a high-interest task halfway through the timer (e.g., from blocks to cars) but keep the timer running. Timer Anxiety Place the timer slightly further away or use a "fading" sand timer that is less jarring than a beeping digital one. High Persistence If they don't want to stop when it beeps, use the "Finished Box" visual to physically clear the space.
Quick Look Checklist
Kept hands on task
Oriented to timer
Stopped at signal
Red Means Work Visual Support Place this on the student's desk or work station. Use the slider or point to the current status.
Work
Timer is RED.
Done
Timer is WHITE.
All Done Signal Slides BEEP!
When we hear the Sound...
Hands Up!
Stop Hands
Eyes on Teacher
STOP
Listen...
Wait for the BEEP.
Hero Bonus!
If you stop fast...
You get a Sticker or
Happy
Done
SUPER STOPPER!
Timer Freeze!
Let's dance... until the timer BEEPS!
Dance
FREEZE
Stop Signal Game Guide Stop Signal Games
Lesson 4: Building Inhibitory Control
Why Games?
Stopping an activity is hard for young learners. By making the "Stop" part of a fun game, we reduce transition anxiety and build the motor memory of stopping when the timer beeps.
Game 1: Timer Freeze Dance
SET
Put on fun music and set a visual timer for 30 seconds.
PLAY
Students dance! Encourage big movements. Narrate the timer: "The red is moving! We are dancing!"
STOP
When the timer beeps, turn off the music instantly. Everyone freezes like a statue.
Game 2: The Block Race
SET
Give each student a bucket of blocks. Set the timer for 45 seconds.
PLAY
Students build the tallest tower they can before the beep.
STOP
BEEP! Hands up! Stop building immediately. Celebrate the towers!
Winning Feedback
Reinforce Speed:
"Wow, you stopped your hands SO fast! You are a Timer Hero!"
Visual Prompt:
Pair the beep with a physical hand signal (palm out) to support students with auditory processing needs.
Time to Transition Slides Time to Move!
Work is done.
The Big Journey
1
Beep! Stop!
2
Clean Up
3
Go to Break
Break Time!
We walk with our Timer Hero Legs.
Quiet bodies.
You Did It!
You used the timer.
SUPER HERO!
Transition Protocol Teacher Guide Transition Protocol
Lesson 5: Task > Timer > Break Zone
The 3-Step Routine
1
Signal Response
Student stops immediately when the timer beeps/ends.
2
Quick Clear
Student puts 3 items away or pushes work to center of desk.
3
Movement
Student walks to the designated 'Break Zone' or 'Relaxation Corner'.
Hero Dialogue
"The timer says Done! Hands up!"
"Let's clean up our hero gear. 1, 2, 3... in the box!"
"Follow the footprints! We are walking to our Break Time. Ready, set, walk!"
Physical Aids
Use footprint decals or tape lines on the floor to provide a concrete path for the student to follow. This reduces the cognitive load of "where do I go?"
The Prize
The Break Zone should contain a sensory item or toy that is only available during breaks. This makes the transition rewarding.
What if they refuse to move?
Do not engage in a power struggle. Use a Visual Choice Board at the break zone to show what is waiting for them. "First walk, then bubbles."
My Timer Story Book My Timer Story
I am a Timer Hero!
Name: ____________________
In my class, we use timers. Timers tell me when it is time to work.
When the timer is Red, I use my busy hands to work. I keep going!
When the timer says Beep, I stop! I put my hands up.
Then, I walk to the Break Zone. It is time to play!
Great Job!
You are a smart
