Time Timer (www.timetimer.com) |
We use visual to keep Bugsy on task. She likes to take half a century eating, especially dinner. And she loves to skip out on brushing her teeth. We also use visual timers to give her transitional warnings. Saying "5 minutes left" is pointless when the child has no idea what 5 minutes mean. Saying "you have until the red is all gone" means something because she can tell the red is getting smaller and smaller.
When we were first introduced to the concept of visual timers, I was a bit daunted by the cost. Time Timer makes a 12", 8" and 3" version, but the 8" one costs $35! They do make mobile versions for your iDevices, but the iphone app costs $3.99 and the iPad app costs $6.99. $3.99 is a far cry from $35, but in terms of apps, $3.99 rests on the more expensive side in my opinion. However, there are other alternatives for visual timer apps for the technologically inclined. Timer+ Touch from SixAxis was recently free this past Labor Day for the iPad, but normally is priced at $1.99 for both iPad and iPhone. I personally downloaded the iPad app this past Monday at the very economical price of free =).
There are pros and cons to having a timer on your device. If you already down an iDevice, the cost for the app is much lower than buying a stand-alone timer. However, your device is essentially unusable during the entire timing period. If you minimize the app, it's just as useless as telling the child "5 more minutes" when he has no idea how long 5 minutes actually is.
There is also a FREE online version at www.stop-watch.com (select "countdown"). However, it will not work on mobile device (or at the very least, the timer will work but the visual part of the timer is missing). This may be an alternative for classrooms or homes where a desktop is conveniently placed but not in use during the child's activity. Because again, if the timer is minimized, it becomes essentially pointless and useless to the child.
Amazon.com: $14 with prime shipping |
Lakeshore Learning: Giant Sand Timers ($49.95) |
Do you use a visual timer? If so, what method works best for you?
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