Are you in need of a tool to structure your student’s time?
Many special education classrooms, staff and students are familiar with the TimeTimer clock and app used to visually display time. The developers of the TimeTimer app and TimeTimer devices are supporting home instruction by offering the apps for free and their devices for a reduced cost to help families during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The TimeTimer tools are offered as an app for both iOS and Android operating systems and physical timer clocks in a variety of sizes and features. Each offers a visual countdown clock showing the passage of time with alarms that can be turned on/off.
How does this work and what is so special about TimeTimer? Awareness of analog time provides an understanding of time passage. Digital clocks present one point in time, rather than passage of time. Using a analog clock that visually displays time elapsing provides a concrete visual support for how much time is left. Using this method also creates a temporal understanding of time, an abstract concept which can be difficult for many individuals. Here is an image of how the TimeTimer works:
TimeTimer clocks and apps have been around for many years and are a staple in most special education classrooms. The TimeTimer app provides teachers and students a mobile visual timer in different environments and is now extended to families for home use.
TimeTimer Apps:
The TimeTimer apps are available for iOS and Android and Google Chrome operating systems during the Covid-19 pandemic. Features of the apps include setting multiple timers and customization features of the timer with different colored clock faces and turning alarms on/off. The links below connect you to the free TimeTimer apps:
TimeTimer app for iPhone/iPod and iPad – Free
TimeTimer app iPad Edition (free):
TimeTimer app for Android and Google Chromebook
TimeTimer Clocks
If a physical and portable clock is needed, a variety of TimeTimer devices with different features and sizes are also available. TimeTimer devices also have been reduced in price during the Covide-19 Pandemic. If using a tablet or phone is a distraction to the student, the portable clocks offer a good visual timer alternative.
TimeTimer PLUS 120 – Offers up to 120 minutes and comes with a notepad. This TimeTimer device also comes in a 5, 20, 30, 60 and 120 model. This notepad edition supports time management ideas of the book, “Make Time” and philosophy of Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky , focusing on making time for things that matter. The cost is approximately $ 37.00 on Amazon.
The TimeTimer clock original comes in an 8 and 12” model with a 60 minute timer. The cost is currently $32.50 for the 8” model on Amazon.
The TimeTimer PLUS 60 (without the notepad) is available in different colors and available in a 5, 20, 30, 60, and 120 minute model. The cost is approximately $26-$29 on Amazon.
TimeTimer Watch is also available in small and large sizes, offering the same countdown visual watch face and alarm as a wearable for the user. The cost is approximately $85.00 on Amazon.
TimeTimer apps and devices have been a staple for structured learning and focused task time for many students offering an accommodation to understand the concept of time and anticipating task completion. Information on research and articles pertaining to the application of TimeTimers is available on the TimeTimer website.
Thank you to the developers of TimeTimer devices and apps for generously offering free apps and devices at a reduced cost for students and families during the Covid-19 stay at home quarantine period.
More for your OT eTool Kit!
Carol – OT’s with Apps and Technology
