Time Timer Montessori Guide

TIME TIMER® | GUIDE

Time Timer®

The Time Timer® visual timer is an innovative, simple time management tool designed to “show” the passage of time through the use of a patented red disk. As time elapses, the colored disk disappears.

Time Timer® in Montessori

Whether the time seems to pass slowly or quickly, Time Timer products show Montessori students an accurate visual representation of passing time and don’t require an understanding of numbers and time. It can be as simple as increasing the ability to focus on a task at hand or easing the anxiety associated with transitioning between activities. By making time a concrete visual, students gain the confidence and focus they need to succeed. It has been clinically proven to increase self-regulation in children* and fosters independence and focus in a positive learning environment.

Anita Calo, Montessori Educator

Time Timer really provided the children with a sense of empowerment and independence, which is what Montessori is all about. This was a way for them not to have to lean into me as the adult in the room... The Time Timer became another part of their environment that they could use to help foster their independence... and really give them a sense of pride when they were able to get their work finished.

See full video and learn more at timetimer.com/montessori.

* Kalynn Hall Pistorio, Michael P. Brady & Cindy Morris (2017): Using literacy-based behavioural interventions to teach self-regulation skills to young children, Early Child Development and Care, DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2017.1406483

Introduce Time as a Concrete Concept

• Show what time looks like: “See” the minutes passing!

• Touch and feel time: Supervise children as they touch the disk.

• Discuss abstract ideas: Why does 5 minutes sometimes feel so long?

• Create pictures of time: Replace the numbered face with stickers.

Build Self-Directed Learning Skills

• Help each child determine how much time he or she needs to complete activities.

• See focus improve when a child can self-motivate by using the Time Timer at his desk and rug.

• Ease transitions by setting the timer for the last 30 minutes of a work cycle.

Encourage Grace and Courtesy

• Take turns and share every few minutes.

• Do clean-up together quickly and thoroughly.

• Help anxious or active children relax when they can see that plenty of time is left!

Suggested Products for Montessori

While all Time Timer® products are designed to meet the needs of a Montessori learning environment, here are few suggestions if you need help getting started.

Time Timer PLUS (pictured: 60-Min. in white; cover image – 20-Min.) With a portable carrying handle, the PLUS encourages students to carry the Time Timer to their activity or task. The PLUS is easy to set with a protective lens and is available in various durations – perfect for different activities or different ages (Available in 5-Min, 20-Min, 60-Min, 120-Min). Perfectly sized for individual or small group work.

Time Timer MOD (pictured: Sky Blue)

Sized for individual work, the MOD caters to the senses. Its soft silicone cover creates a softer sensory experience and the cover is available in various colors that can be switched out for different activities, students, or preferences.

See the full line of Time Timer products at timetimer.com/products.

The Original Time Timer® was invented by Jan Rogers in 1994 as a solution to help her young daughter understand the abstract concept of time and ease the stress associated with transitioning from one activity to the next. Since then, people from all walks of life, various areas of expertise, from all around the globe, have told us all the ways they use Time Timer products.

The Time Timer Guide series is intended to share the breadth of knowledge that our loyal users have shared with us over the years.

Have ideas of your own that you would like to share? Email us at yourstory@timetimer.com or follow us on social media!

#makeeverymomentcount #timetimeraroundtheworld

Time Timer believes in creating products that truly help people of all ages and abilities conquer time. While time can be a challenge for everyone, we aim to provide intuitive and innovative solutions that make a real difference.