In the arena of education, handling block schedules, especially in high schools and middle schools, presents a unique set of challenges. Students often grapple with maintaining attention during these long stretches of teaching periods – 80 minutes, 90 minutes, or even longer. These lengthy sessions can be overwhelming and can hinder their ability to engage fully with the lesson material.
To combat this issue, consider splitting these extended blocks into manageable segments, punctuated by short breaks. This teaching technique not only enables students to process and consolidate the material taught in each segment but also helps alleviate mental fatigue, paving the way for enhanced focus and productivity in subsequent segments.
Top 8 Free Timers for Classroom Use
Maintaining discipline, focus, and optimum productivity in classrooms often hinge on time management. A free timer tool can be an invaluable assistant in this regard. Here are eight highly recommended free timers that can enhance your classroom management.
1. Google Search Timer
It doesn’t get simpler than using Google’s inbuilt timer. To use it, type “set timer” followed by the desired time duration into Google Search. A timer countdown will appear, along with a ‘full screen’ option, and will beep an alarm once the set time is up.
2. Classtools Countdown Timer by Russel Tarr
This feature-rich timer allows you to create and activate multiple timers on a single page. It is handy when timing consecutive activities. Moreover, you can spruce up your countdowns with music, adding a soothing or energetic backdrop to your classroom activities.
3. Zero Noise Classroom
This free Chrome App provides a dual utility – a countdown timer and a noise meter. A bit tricky to navigate, it is well worth the effort to learn its functionalities.
4. Timer Pop
This app allows you to tailor and save diverse timer settings. With Timer Pop, you can switch between different countdowns effortlessly – a feature particularly useful in diverse task-based classroom settings.
5. Online Stopwatch
A user-friendly website, Online Stopwatch provides two functions – stopwatch or countdown. It also features an alarm to alert you when time is out.
6 .Online Egg Timer
Offering simplicity at its best, this website provides three countdown timers on a single screen. The timers can be run individually or simultaneously, depending on your classroom needs.
7. Timer Tab
A versatile application available through the Chrome Web Store and a standalone website. Alongside a countdown timer, it features an alarm clock, stopwatch, and even allows you to customize the background and set an alarm sound using a YouTube video URL.
8. Timerrr.com
This service offers two distinct countdown timer interfaces – the traditional dial timer and an egg timer. Both versions are easy to use and can be set for up to sixty minutes.
In Conclusion
Teachers are perpetually on the lookout for tools that can add value to their teaching style and enhance student engagement. Free timers have emerged as one such potent tool, bringing structure, discipline, and a dash of fun into the classroom. These mentioned eight timers, with their unique features, can help bring about a significant positive change in managing classroom time. Reinvent your classroom dynamics by choosing a timer that suits your teaching style and the specific needs of your students.
