Why Timers?

As you probably already know, timers are a super useful tool in more places than just the kitchen. When it comes to autonomy building, timers can help kids to grow their skills around things like time management, patience & transitioning. Check out this page for more information about types of timers & how to use them (COMING SOON).

PLUS!

Choice grows autonomy.

Play supports deeper & more personal learning.

Creating your own timer adds a sense of autonomy when using it for things like patience or routines practice.

Bring along a little creativity and pretty much any timer can turn into a unicorn*.

*Or any other creature you can dream up.

That’s why one of the best timers to choose for this activity is one that you already have, but don’t often use. If that’s not the case for your family, try browsing for one at a few local thrift stores. (Pro Tip: If there’s a battery compartment, be sure to double check for corrosion).

If you’d rather let you child choose a new timer, there are lots of fun options out there. Here’s a few to consider (no affiliation, just fun things I found):

TIME TIMERS | Show a visual count down of time left. Plus they have some free resources, including an app of their timer or virtual timer downloads.

LIQUID TIMERS | Found these really cool, colorful timers on the National Autism Resources site. Heads up though, I learned with the timer pictured above that anything added to the top of timers that flip needs to be detachable in order to turn it over ;)

MAKE YOUR OWN SAND TIMER | This simple Instructable lays out the rather straightforward process of combining two containers into a timer if you’re feeling extra crafty. Plus, you can adjust the time with the amount of sand, choose colors, add glitter…just keep in mind that sand timers work best when timing is more fluid (since it can be easy to miss when exactly time is up).

This is a really simple go-to practice that will add more autonomy to the activities you do with your family. Before you dig into any structured play, try starting with some time for open-ended play first.

Half the fun of this activity may very well be choosing & exploring the materials. Maybe you’ll find things around the house (bonus points if you find things that were about to become trash) or maybe you’ll adventure through a craft store. However you go about gathering materials, grab a little extra of any limited items (such as yarn or paper). Then set aside what you’ll likely need for the timer & let your minds run free with the materials on their own.

The less prompting the better for autonomy supporting. You could even try playing with the materials first and letting your children jump in at their own pace. If need be, throw out a few encouraging ideas or questions to help get the creativity flowing: “What kind of 3D shapes could we make with this?”

And then, whether a few minutes later or an hour (or the next day if you’re just having too much fun), it’s time to make a unicorn timer!

ONE MORE IDEA | Check out some unicorn books from the library to read along with this activity or do an image search online to get some inspiration.

Time to turn that timer into a new friend!

Dig into those materials and start playing around with ideas for which elements you’d like to add & how to go about creating & attaching them.

The more opportunity for self-exploration & creation the better, but here are a few ideas to help your unicorn come to life if you need them:

• Any kind of paper would likely work for a unicorn horn & ears, but cardstock may help keep your unicorn timer intact a bit longer.

• Tape might work for attachment, double sided tape in particular, but if you’re will to commit, a strong glue is likely your best bet for longevity. As long as you’re Perhaps some yarn or ribbon for the tail.

• You unicorn tail and perhaps mane is no doubt the chance to really give this little timer some pizazz. Yarn, string, ribbon…anything colorful & flowing is going to help your unicorn really start to take shape.

• And don’t forget about other fun personalizations: stickers, crayons or markers, the artist’s signature, etc.

ENCOURAGING REMINDER | Unicorn timers aren’t just for kids. One of the most wonderful things about having young people in your life is the increased chance that you’ll have a little more fun today than all the rest of the grown-ups out there. It doesn’t have to be a unicorn of course, but why not create your own fun timer alongside your child.