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Peabody TeachFor teachers and grown-ups

3 minute timer

A 3 minute countdown timer for the projector: big digits, a quiet chime, warning colours and full screen. Good for warm-ups and think-pair-share.

Ready

3:00

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 3 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

  • Give a three-minute quick-write at the start of class.
  • Let students try the first problem alone for three minutes before you teach it.
  • Run a rapid review game: three minutes, as many correct answers as the team can get.
  • Use it for a short gallery walk, where students look at two posters and add a sticky note.
  • Time three minutes of silent reading before you begin the read-aloud.
  • Run an exit ticket: three minutes to answer one question before the bell.
  • Split 3 minutes into 2 to work and 1 to share: press Start, and pause at 2:00 elapsed to switch.

Related

Questions

What is a good use of 3 minutes at the start of class?

A short warm-up that students can start without instructions works well: a question on the board, a quick-write, or a few review problems. Having the timer on the screen as they walk in tells them how long they have and gives you time to take attendance.

Is 3 minutes enough for a warm-up or a quick write?

Many teachers pick 3 minutes for a bell-ringer or a short writing task because it is long enough for real thinking but short enough that the class is not waiting. If students finish early, give them a second question; if many are not finished, press the right arrow key to add 30 seconds without stopping the clock.

How do I change the 3 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 3 minutes.

Will the 3 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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