Objective: Students will become more aware of their pacing when using visual timers as they work so they begin to realize when they are working too slowly or too quickly.

Teacher Takeaways: A timer can serve as an external prompt to help students who have difficulty getting started on work, maintaining focus to finish, or practicing for standardized tests. a) Options that enable students to see the passage of time are best, including count down timers or an analog watch/clock. b) Count down timers encourage students to complete work in a set period, rather than just tracking how long a task takes. There are digital options, or fun kitchen timers allowing students to set the minutes and see it count down. c) If numbers counting down make a student anxious, try a version without numbers like Sand Timer on the iTunes clock app (hourglass visual) or Traffic Light which allow you to set the length of time of the green (keep working), yellow (start to finish), or red (your time is up). For a free timer, try Teachit Timer. d) If using a clock or watch, use analog (hour and minute hand). The minute hand helps students visualize time passing.

OER Resource: Timers (Digital Promise Learner Variability Project)