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Peabody TeachFor teachers and grown-ups

30 second timer

A 30 second countdown timer for the projector: big digits, a quiet chime and warning colours. For quick resets, transitions, and speed games.

Ready

0:30

Keys: Space start or pause · R reset · ← → 30 seconds · 1–7 the presets · M sound · F full screen

How to use it

  1. The timer is already set to 30 seconds. 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

  • Call a freeze: students stop where they are and the class must be silent before the chime.
  • Give a thirty-second shout-out round where students share one fact with a neighbour.
  • Use it for a fast pencil-sharpening or supply-grab window between activities.
  • Count down to eyes on the teacher after a noisy activity.
  • Play a quick game of 'how many can you name in thirty seconds', such as animals or words that start with B.
  • Hold a speed review: one problem on the board, and everyone answers on a whiteboard before time is up.

Related

Questions

Does a 30 second timer get tiresome with a class?

It can if you reach for it every time. Teachers tend to save thirty seconds for transitions and quick games, and move to one or two minutes when the task needs thought. Turn the sound off with M if the chime would startle a quiet room.

What do teachers use a 30 second timer for?

A 30 second timer fits the small gaps in a lesson: a transition, a stretch, a clean-up, or a short think before sharing. Because it is short, the digits are the main thing on screen, and the warning colours change quickly near the end so students can see the time running out.

How do I change the 30 second timer to a longer one?

Press a preset (1, 2, 3, 5 minutes and more), add 30 seconds at a time with the right arrow, or choose Custom and type a length such as 2:15. The address updates with the new length.

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