Are you having trouble finding the perfect timer for the classroom? Our team understands that you are searching for the best, so in addition to researching the top digital timers for classrooms, we’ve compiled some tips for making your buying experience easier.
What Questions Should You Ask Yourself Before Purchasing A Timer?
So, you know you need a reliable classroom timer, but what else do you need to think about? We recommend the following things in order to make the best purchase. After all, you’re looking to buy a timer that will help your classroom be efficient and on time, so it only makes sense to think carefully about your purchase carefully.
- Is it worthwhile to buy a large digital timer for the classroom?
- Should the timer be electronic or mechanical?
- Will you and your students benefit most from a digital timer or a visual timer?
- Where are you planning on placing the timer? Does it need to be mounted, or should it be easy to move around the room?
- Do you need one timer or more?
You may even find yourself asking more questions than these. However, all of these are important questions to ask. By thinking about these questions, you’ll get a better idea of your classroom’s needs and can make a more valuable purchase that won’t end up being a waste of money.
What Are The Top Factors To Consider In The Best Classroom Timer?
In today’s market, there are numerous timers available. Looking in stores and online can present you with an overwhelming selection of options. To help narrow your choices, here are a few factors worth considering:
Features and Design
Each classroom is unique, so each class will have different needs for a timer. For instance, larger classrooms would require a timer with larger digits that are easier to read and a loud enough beep to alert every member of the class when the time is up. Smaller classrooms might not require some of these features. Maybe your classroom needs a timer in which the noise can be on or silenced depending on the activity or lesson you are teaching.
Also, classrooms with kids with special needs may require timers that are more visual. The KADAMS Visual Classroom Timer is a perfect example of a visual timer — it is easy for students of all ages to see the timer with its traffic-light design.
Power
Timers are usually battery-powered or make use of mechanics instead. All digital timers will require batteries or a plug of some sort, so the cost of changing batteries is worth considering. The mechanical timers can be reliable and a good energy-saver, but may not beep when time is up. While both types of timers effectively convey the time remaining, it comes down to preference.
Your Students
The age of your students and the uses of the timer will greatly impact which type of timer you choose. Younger students may benefit from a visual timer if they haven’t grasped concepts of time yet and it can help them understand the relationship between the hour and numerical values. Older students will have no trouble reading a digital clock, so you may opt for a simple timer for older students. If some of your students have special needs, perhaps a timer that doesn’t make noise and has a visual design can help them keep focus.
Classroom Timer FAQ
Q: What is a digital timer?
A: For accurate timing, you can use a digital timer to count down hours, minutes, or seconds. A digital timer is sometimes more convenient than a traditional clock since it can count down to a second. Digital timers also often make a beeping noise when time is up.
Q: Why are timers used in a classroom?
A: Timers can be extremely helpful in the classroom. From keeping lessons on time and keeping student presentations to a limit to timed tests and being used for playtime, there are practically endless ways you can make use of a timer in the classroom. Timers can help children keep focus, learn time management, and understand basic time concepts.
Q: How do timers help students?
A: Timers can be helpful to keep students on track and prevent their minds from wandering. By knowing how much time is left in a lesson or activity, they can budget their time and keep focused on the task at hand. Visual timers are also beneficial to students, especially those with special needs, as it provides an alternative way to show time rather than digital numbers.