Do you or your kids use a timer? Can you recommend one?

[Noreen Claire]

I think we (I) need a way to keep track of how long someone is (or is supposed to be) working on a subject during the school day. I'm also trying to leave my cellphone in another room, so I'm not distracted. The dining room doesn't have a clock; should I just get a clock or should I get myself (each kid?) a timer? Do you use timers in your homeschool, and is there one you really like?

Thanks for any input.

[PeterPan]

If you update the operating system for your computers, you may be able to talk to it and have it set a timer. Macs now have siri built in. Or if you put a product with alexa (the amazon talking servant), it can set a timer for you. So even something simple like an amazon dot/echo thing ($25?) can do it. And then you could have all the alarms you want too, like maybe different kids, reminders, whatever. I use the amazon fire tv cube in my kitchen to set timers when I'm cooking and already using the timer on my stove.

[Clemsondana]

One of my kids loses track of time but doesn't respond well to the usual timers (I got 2 cute ones - a pig and a bird instead of the standard tomato-shaped kitchen timer).  Last week I ordered a set of hourglass-style timers.  There were lots of options on Amazon but I ended up with a set of 4.  For whatever reason, kiddo is more willing to use a sand-filled timer to practice violin than to set any other type (the cute ones or the one on the microwave).  

[Heathermomster]

We use the microwave and a cube timer...

 

[EKS]

I use a visual timer.  I love it!

This is the one we have: https://www.timetimer.com/collections/timers/products/time-timer-3-inch

But I think I might get this one for the two hour lesson blocks that I'm going to be doing with my son this year:  https://www.timetimer.com/collections/timers/products/time-timer-120min

[OH_Homeschooler]

I use an app called Parrot Timer. You could probably hear it go off from another room.

Edited September 3, 2019 by OH_Homeschooler

[HomeAgain]

We use a timer for work blocks, but I use my phone.  I used to use a cheap digital timer. 

[katilac]

22 hours ago, Noreen Claire said:

The dining room doesn't have a clock; should I just get a clock or should I get myself (each kid?) a timer? 

It's handy to have both. The clock to know the actual time, a timer for what you are specifically working on. A simple timer for each person. 

I love the bigger ones that count down minutes and seconds, I want want for tutoring but so far have been too cheap to buy that kind, lol. Somebody convince me . . .