Time Timer

Common Sense Media says

Easy, customizable timing in a handy tool.

Age(i)

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Quality(i)

 

Learning(i)

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What parents need to know

Ease of play

Extremely user-friendly. Time Timer includes clear instructions, and written prompts flash on the screen when needed. When the stopwatch-style timer appears, you simply choose your mode: 60 minutes or less is the Original Mode, Custom Mode to set up to 12 hours, or Clock Mode to show a second hand that ticks away the moments. There's also a Help screen that maps each feature of the app.

Violence & scariness
Not applicable
Sexy stuff
Not applicable
Language
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Consumerism
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Not applicable
Privacy & safety
Not applicable

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Time Timer is an extraordinarily easy-to-use, customizable timer app to help kids or adults with productivity, efficiency, and focus. Simply select a mode (depending upon the amount of time needed and how focused the person needs to be on the timer), then type in a name for the timer's purpose, set the settings, and the timer is ready to go. Up to four timers can be saved at once.

What kids can learn

Skills

Self-Direction

  • motivation
  • time management
  • working efficiently

Emotional Development

  • handling stress

Engagement, Approach, Support

Engagement

Timing may engage some kids more deeply in tasks, while it may be distracting and stressful to others. The interface is tidy and clean, so kids can use it with ease.

Learning Approach

While kids time each other or experiment with timed tasks, they'll be gaining a deeper understanding of time and how it's used in the real world. Choosing customized icons and settings should be fun and empowering as well.

Support

An excellent step-by-step help section and good online videos explain both the setup process and the many uses for this app.

What kids can learn

Skills

Self-Direction

  • motivation
  • time management
  • working efficiently

Emotional Development

  • handling stress

Although Time Timer was created as a productivity tool, kids can learn time management, working efficiently, and even perhaps gain in-the-moment motivation by using this app. Throughout education and life, kids and adults are expected to perform under time pressure on tests and other tasks. In some instances and for some kids, time pressure may even help boost productivity and creativity. This app may help kids learn to manage time-related stress and practice focusing to stay on task. Time Timer can help kids appreciate the value of time and use it well.

This Learning Rating review was written by Dana Villamagna

Parents say

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QUALITY
 
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What's it about?

Simply tap "Add Timer" to create a new timer (check that awake mode is on in your device's settings so the timer doesn't shut off), then a stopwatch-style timer appears. Swipe around to set the desired time, name the timer, and adjust the mode and settings. There are many options including sound of the timer when it's complete, number of plays, and color.

Is it any good?

QUALITY
 

Has your kid ever grumbled when asked to do something, then changed their response to excitement when you add, "I'll time you"? Now you can time them doing all sorts of things -- homework, reading, time-outs between siblings, bedtime routine -- with this practical, useful tool that can help adults and kids with time management. Once users create their timer(s), the app runs very smoothly. It's quite self-explanatory, and there are a number of prompts for new users. Just make sure your device's settings are on "awake" mode, so it doesn't enter sleep mode and that battery life isn't low, which could cause it to shut down. If you or your kid needs help staying on task, TIME TIMER could become one of those essential apps you use multiple times a day.

Families can talk about...

  • Encourage your kids to use Time Timer during study sessions to help them stay focused and take breaks at appropriate intervals (15 to 30 minutes is often recommended).

  • To model behavior, consider using this app yourself during tasks that you find less than fun or in which you need to become more efficient.

App details

Devices:iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Price:$1.99-$4.99
Pricing structure:Paid
Release date:October 11, 2012
Category:Productivity
Size:4.80 MB
Publisher:Time Timer LLC
Version:2.1.14
Minimum software requirements:iOS 4.3 or later; Android 2.3.3 and up

This review of Time Timer was written by

Dana Villamagna

About our rating system

  • ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
  • OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.

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Quality

Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning ratings

  • Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
  • Very Good: Engaging, good learning approach.
  • Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
  • Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
  • Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
  • Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

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Parent of a 9, 11, and 13 year old Written byJenLanam February 5, 2013
AGE
13
QUALITY
 
LEARNING

Good self-discipline tool for those who are ALREADY self-disciplined

Okay, this is what I picture (with the names changed to protect the distracted): Mom: Hey, Johnny, here's my phone to time you doing your homework! You can try to get your homework done in 30 minutes and beat the clock! Johnny: Cool! Thanks, Mom! (20 minutes later) Mom: Johnny, how's that homework coming? Did the timer help you manage your time? Johnny: Uh, well, I just thought I'd take a little break from my homework and play Angry Birds on your phone. I guess I got a little distracted. Mom: Darn that colorful Time Timer! I'm thinking that if your child is easily distracted and tends to dawdle, the Time Timer would be good in theory but not in practice. If your child is very self-disciplined, they might be able to resist the allure of the shiny phone with the timer, but then they wouldn't really need it. (If you can lock everything BUT the Time Timer, it might work. But then again, my kids would probably spend the 30 minutes playing with the timer settings.
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