Tech Tips & Tools
Classroom Timers
Timing is everything...use a timer!
Here are a few fun timers to help keep you and your kiddos on track. These have been a lifesaver in my classroom and have helped tremendously with management. These have been especially helpful during Daily 5. When the timer goes off, students automatically transition while I wrap up my reading groups. I'm sure you could find many more uses for these in your classroom :)
Online Stopwatch
This has been my go-to timer and the kiddos love it! You have the choice of a stopwatch or countdown function. There are also traditional type timers, but if you click on "classroom timers", you get some fun options such as runners, swimmers, and even racing slugs. Fun!
Follow this link: http://www.online-stopwatch.com/
Google Timer
You can simply type into Google search "set timer" followed by an amount of time and a countdown timer will display along with a beeping sound when the time is up. There is also an option to display it full screen. Easy peasy!
Timer Tab
Another Google timer, offered through Chrome, can be used as a countdown timer, stopwatch, or alarm clock. The unique feature is that it will play a YouTube video when the time is up. http://timer-tab.com/
Classtools
Classtools Countdown Timer allows you to show multiple timers at the same time. You can also add music to your timers. Mission Impossible, the Apprentice, & Countdown are built in but you can also add music from YouTube.
http://www.classtools.net/timer/
Note: other tools available on this website include a random name picker http://www.classtools.net/random-name-picker/89_4CeV6J
Teachit Timer
Teachit Timer allows you to display and countdown timer and a count-up timer on the same screen. It also allows you to choose an alarm sound.
Stamina Timer
Finally, for those of you with an interactive whiteboard, if you would like to insert a timer in your flipcharts, you can search the smart-board software sites for "timer" and you will find several to choose from. Just insert a text box over the timer to name it whatever you want.
Noise Apps
Bouncy Balls
Show students the level of noise in the classroom with colorful bouncing balls. The site accesses your computer's microphone. The higher the decibel level goes, the more the balls on the screen bounce. You can also choose between different types of "balls"......eyeballs, plastic balls, bubbles, or emotocons.
Too Noisy
The needle moves in response to the sound in the classroom. There is also an iPad app available.
Calmness Counter
Similar to Bouncy Balls, Calmness Counter uses a meter to track classroom volume. You can adjust the microphone sensitivity directly on the computer screen.
Hether Darnell
Boulevard STEM Elementary School
Email: hdarnell@kokomo.k12.in.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/kokomo.k12.in.us/boulevardpd/
Location: 1901 W Boulevard St, Kokomo, IN, United States
Phone: 765-455-8070
Twitter: @HetherDarnell