20 minute timer
A 20 minute countdown timer for the projector: big digits, a quiet chime, warning colours and full screen. Good for independent reading, writing workshop and centers.
20:00
Keys: Space start or pause · R reset · ← → 30 seconds · 1–8 the presets · M sound · F full screen
How to use it
- The timer is already set to 20 minutes. Press Start, or tap the Space bar.
- Press F to fill the screen. The buttons fade away until you move the mouse; press Esc to come back.
- 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
- Run four five-minute stations and move groups when the timer sounds.
- Give twenty minutes for independent reading, with students recording a favourite sentence at the end.
- Time a twenty-minute writing workshop with a mini-lesson at the start.
- Set a twenty-minute small-group lesson with the rest of the class on stations.
- Use it for a quiet work period before lunch.
- Run a twenty-minute project check, such as building a model, with five minutes to clean up.
- Split 20 minutes into 14 to work and 6 to share: press Start, and pause at 14:00 elapsed to switch.
Related
Questions
How do I run four stations with a 20 minute timer?
Divide the 20 minutes into four 5 minute rounds. Either run one 20 minute timer and call a switch at 15:00, 10:00 and 5:00, or use the 5 minute preset and press Start at each rotation. Choosing the 5 minute preset makes it quick to reset between groups.
Can I run centers or a writing block with a 20 minute timer?
Yes. 20 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 20 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 20 minutes.
Will the 20 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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