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Peabody TeachFor teachers and grown-ups

13 minute timer

A 13 minute countdown timer for the projector: big digits, a quiet chime, warning colours and full screen. Good for independent reading, writing workshop and centers.

Ready

13:00

Keys: Space start or pause · R reset · ← → 30 seconds · 1–8 the presets · M sound · F full screen

How to use it

  1. The timer is already set to 13 minutes. Press Start, or tap the Space bar.
  2. Press F to fill the screen. The buttons fade away until you move the mouse; press Esc to come back.
  3. Add or take off 30 seconds with the arrow keys. If you need a different length, press a preset or choose Custom.

Ideas for class

  • Use it for small-group time, with the rest of the class on independent tasks until the chime.
  • Run independent reading with a clear start and stop, and read your own book alongside the class.
  • Use it for math practice: students work a set of problems and mark them when the timer ends.
  • Time a writing workshop block, with a check-in at the half-way mark to see where everyone is.
  • Split 13 minutes into 9 to work and 4 to share: press Start, and pause at 9:00 elapsed to switch.
  • The halfway mark is 6:30: when the digits reach it, ask students to hold up fingers for how far through the task they are.

Related

Questions

Can I run centers or a writing block with a 13 minute timer?

Yes. 13 minutes suits a single block of independent reading, writing or one center rotation. Start the timer on the projector in full screen. When it chimes, students rotate or stop. If a group needs longer, add 30 seconds with the right arrow key.

How do I change the 13 minute timer?

Press a preset button or choose Custom and type a length such as 7:30 or 90s. The page address updates to carry the new length, so you can bookmark it or share it. This page always opens at 13 minutes.

Will the 13 minute timer keep the right time if the tab is in the background?

Yes. The countdown compares the clock when you pressed Start with the clock now, so it stays right when a tab sleeps. When it reaches zero it plays a short, soft chime (press M to turn the sound off) and the page title in the tab says the time is up.

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