The holiday season turns classrooms into centers of excitement and energy. As educators and parents, we want to create special moments that include every single student by meeting them where they’re at and creating activities that respect all abilities. 

Creating Welcoming Classroom Celebrations 

Every classroom is filled with students who have different comfort levels during celebrations. Some kids love jumping into activities, while others need more structure to feel comfortable. The goal is to make sure every child feels welcome and happy. 

Practical Inclusion: Holiday Activity Centers with Time Timer® 

Let's break down how to create truly inclusive holiday experiences using structured, supportive strategies: 

Sensory-Friendly Craft Center 

• Setup: Use the Time Timer® MOD® to help students understand activity duration 

• Example Structure: 
• 15-minute rotation for holiday card making 
• Visual timer shows exactly how much time remains 
• Noise-canceling headphones available 
• Multiple craft options (painting, drawing, cutting) 

Result: The visual timer helps students with anxiety know exactly when the activity will end, reducing stress and increasing participation. 

Show and Tell Station 

• Setup: Time Timer® helps manage presentation lengths 

• Implementation: 
• 5-minute personal story or tradition sharing 
• Students choose comfort level of sharing (verbal, written, visual) 
• Timer ensures equal opportunity for all 
• Respectful listening guidelines 

Result: Every student can participate at their comfort level, with a clear, non-threatening time boundary. 

Movement and Celebration Center 

• Setup: Use Time Timer® to structure physical activities 

• Activities: 
• Holiday dance breaks (10-minute segments) 
• Gentle movement options 
• Quiet corner for students needing less stimulation 
• Clear visual cues for transitions 

Result: Physical activities become inclusive when students can choose intensity and have clear time expectations. 

Specific Timer Strategies That Work 

1. Transition Warnings: 

• Use Time Timer® to show 5-minute and 2-minute warnings before changing activities 
• Helps students with executive functioning challenges prepare mentally 
• Reduces anxiety around unexpected changes 
  

• Allow students to "budget" their time across different stations 
• Time Timer® helps them visually track and decide 
• Teaches time management and personal agency 
  

• Dedicated 7-minute reset time between high-energy activities 
• Use Time Timer® to show the exact reset duration 
• Provides predictability for all learners 

Why This Matters 

As a former special education teacher, special needs sibling, and founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship, I've helped thousands of IEP teams prepare successful classroom celebrations built on understanding all students’ needs. The best holiday experiences aren't about perfectly planned performances – they're about creating moments where every student feels seen and supported. 

These strategies work magic because they transform traditional celebrations. By providing clear expectations, reducing anxiety, and offering multiple ways to participate, we create an environment where every child can shine in their own unique way. It's not about forcing everyone into the same mold, but about celebrating the beautiful differences in how children learn and experience joy. 

Practical Tips for Inclusion 

Creating an inclusive holiday experience doesn't have to be complicated. Start by previewing activities, so students know what to expect. Use visual schedules to help everyone understand the day's flow. Remember that participation looks different for each child – some might prefer watching and others might want to be center stage. 

Time Timer® can become your go-to support tool in this approach. It helps create predictable transitions that make students feel secure. A truly magical classroom is one where every student feels valued, not just included. 

The Real Magic of Holidays 

Holiday celebrations should spark joy, not stress. By using tools like Time Timer® and approaching classroom events with empathy and strategy, we create magical experiences that welcome every student. 

True inclusion means no child feels left out – it means every child feels celebrated. 

Pro Tip: The Time Timer® MOD® is silent and sleek, perfect for maintaining a calm environment during exciting holiday times. 

Wishing you a warm, welcoming holiday season that brings joy to every learner! 

About the Author: Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed is the founder of Master IEP Coach® programs for parents and teachers, host of the Special Education Inner Circle podcast, and has been helping parents and teachers through the IEP process for 25 years. If you’re unsure about how an IEP can support a child’s school day or want to level up a current IEP for maximum impact, reach out to Catherine here.