A countdown everyone in the room can see
This classroom timer shows a large countdown with a progress ring that empties as time runs out. Choose a preset (1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes) or type your own minutes and seconds, add an optional label such as “Silent reading”, and press Start.
The ring turns amber in the last stretch and red when time is up. When the countdown reaches zero, the timer plays a short alarm and the stage flashes – both can be switched off. Put it in fullscreen on the projector or smartboard and the digits fill the screen.
How to use
- Pick a preset or type the minutes and seconds.
- Optional: add a label so everyone knows what the time is for.
- Press Start (or the space bar). Press again to pause and resume.
- When time is up you hear an alarm and the screen flashes. Reset starts the same time again.
Ideas for using it
- Lessons. timed tasks, think-pair-share, tidy-up time and transitions between activities.
- Tests and quizzes. a visible countdown for each section or question round.
- Meetings. time-boxed agenda points and stand-ups that actually end on time.
- Games. drawing and guessing rounds, word games and turns at a party.
Why a visible timer helps
A countdown that everyone can see turns “a few more minutes” into something concrete. Students can pace themselves, transitions become calmer because the end is no surprise, and you do not have to keep announcing how much time is left. The amber warning gives a natural cue to start wrapping up.