The Best Classroom Timers

Buying Guide for Classroom Timers

Why buy a classroom timer?

Many students find timed tests and quizzes super stressful. An easy-to-read, sound-adjustable timer explicitly designed for the classroom may reduce anxiety. Less stress leads to better results, which is good news for the students and you, their teacher. Speaking of stress, you may want to buy a classroom timer to make your job easier. You won’t have to multitask frequently during tests, looking up at the classroom wall clock as you supervise the room. Set up the timer, and you can tend to whatever tasks until it runs out.

What should you look for in a classroom timer?

• Age Group: Timer designs differ according to the targeted age group. High schoolers may get a kick out of the multicolored sand timers, but that’s about it. Higher-level students who take a lot of quizzes and tests will likely benefit more from larger, easy-to-read timers. There are many timer options for all ages in between.
• Activities: If you want a timer for recess, it makes sense to look for a portable and durable timer. Other timers can be placed on a magnetic chalkboard or students’ desks for quizzes and tests. If the lesson is to improve behavioral skills in the classroom, there are silent, large display timers that teach students pacing or patience.

What extra features may benefit the use of a classroom timer?

You may want to consider a timer that allows you to adjust the alarm sound so it can be loud, soft, or muted completely. Some options are meant to help students focus on their work instead of the amount of time. These typically have different colored sections and will light up depending on the time left. They also have various sound cues that follow each color.

Our Picks for the Best Classroom Timers

Pros: This small timer has a large, easy-to-read digital screen, big buttons, and an all-around accessible construction and design. Stick it to the fridge with the magnet back, or position it on a desk or counter with the kickstand. When it’s time to time something, choose between Loud/Silent switch, On/Off switch, and count upward and count down modes to meet your needs. The loud mode works excellent if you’re multitasking around the house, in the kitchen simmering soup, then in the living room to dust. You’ll know when the soup is up. Use silent mode if you’re a high-strung individual or have students with sensory sensitivities. When time’s up, a red light will flash. There’s also a Memory setting and Fast Forward function and clear instructions on how to set them up.

Cons: Its maximum timer range is 99 minutes and 59 seconds, just under two hours. If you’re looking for a timer to set for two hours or more, you may want to look elsewhere.

Bottom Line: You have very little to lose and lots to gain if you invest in this two-pack timer set. It also comes with AAA batteries, enough for both timers.

 

Pros: This stainless-steel, 7.5-inch mechanical countdown timer makes time management a cinch for students with its easy-to-read display. Wind the control nob clockwise to set the time between 1 to 60 minutes. The Secura timer features a red disc where some timers have a minute hand. As time elapses, the red disk grows smaller. The red and white visual cue and noiseless feature create a calmer experience for many students, especially sensory-sensitive students: less stress and anxiety boost confidence and performance.

Cons: The ticking and alarm sound may be too loud.

Bottom Line: Use the magnetic backing to secure it to the fridge, hang it on a wall, or place it on a countertop. Use it anywhere—at home, at work, and in the classroom.

 

Pros: Help keep students focused, engaged, and on track for success with the Time Tracker Mini. It features visual and auditory cues to hold kids’ attention in a gentle, fun way. Perfect for pre-K and up, the timer is easy for adults. Turn the green and yellow dials to set the total alarm time and warning time. The alarm time ranges from five minutes to two hours in five-minute increments. The light goes from green to yellow (if you set the yellow dial) to red when the time is up. Yellow and red both have an audible alarm that can be adjusted.

Cons: You may find the instructions confusing because of the two dials.

Bottom Line: The Time Tracker Mini measures a mere 4.8 (L) x 3.3 (W) x 3.3 (H) inches but has a distinct auditory and visual presence. Use it in the classroom or at home with your little ones.

 

Pros: This digital, magnetic timer is straightforward in every way. The time units are minutes and seconds; the max time is 99 minutes and 59 seconds. You can have the timer count upward or down and fast forward, too. When time’s up, the loud alarm sounds for 60 seconds if you don’t shut it off. The interface is 2.2 inches wide and 1.18 inches tall and features clear digits, making it easy to see. If you want to move it from the fridge, for example, so it’s closer to you, pull back the retractable stand to set it on a surface.

Cons: While the LinkDM timer can be used in any setting, it lacks characteristics that make it particularly suited for the classroom.

Bottom Line: You couldn’t get a better bang for your buck than this bulk package of quality timers. Also, you get a variety of colors in white, orange, and blue.

 

Pros: Hourglass sand timers are fun, especially when they come in a rainbow of colors. The EMDAK set comes with six sand timers, each with a different amount of sand to track different amounts of time. There’s white, blue, green, purple, orange, and red; in sequence, that’s one, three, five, ten, 15, and 30 minutes. Don’t worry; you don’t need to memorize it. The numbers are printed clearly on the side of each hourglass. This design is cool and safe for kids, made of high borosilicate glass with a PVS top and bottom caps and colored sea sand.

Cons: These sand timers may not perform precisely. Occasionally, a bit of sand might get stuck before it drops to the bottom. If you want better accuracy, you might want to consider a digital clock.

Bottom Line: These hourglass timers have fun-colored sand, making timed activities more enjoyable for kids. Watching the sand pour from top to bottom may soothe kids who find timed activities stressful.

Final Thoughts

Whether proctoring a test for students or timing yourself for a presentation, a classroom timer can be helpful. Depending on the type of timer and activity you’re involved in, they help make the time much more manageable and assist in helping you efficiently finish tasks.