The 2 minute warning (try
5 minutes if a longer warning is necessary) gives some predictability to the
situation. Many children with learning
differences have difficulty understanding time related concepts. Elapsed time is particularly difficult for
many children. The two minute warning
alerts the child that he will have to transition soon. He can begin to prepare himself for the
social/emotional energy that will be required to leave the current location and
activity. This warning helps him prepare
for this especially if he will have to move from a preferred to a non-preferred
activity.
The timer will give him a
visual of how much time is left before the timer rings and he must
transition. It’s even better if you have
access to a timer that shows a clock or a time piece moving as the time is
elapsing plus the digital numbers of remaining time. All of these elements help a child prepare
for the transition.
