Widgets
Visual timer
The visual timer widget shows time passing in a clear, visual way. You can choose to display the time left as a shrinking circle, a bar that fills or empties, or an hourglass. The changing shapes help students see exactly how much time they have left for an activity.
Teachers use visual timers to keep lessons on track, help students manage their time, and support transitions. They are especially helpful for young students or anyone who benefits from seeing time instead of just hearing it.
Ways teachers use it
- Keep group work on schedule by showing students how much time is left.
- Support independent reading or writing time with a clear countdown.
- Use as a classroom timer for tests, quizzes, or exit tickets.
- Help students transition between centers or activities smoothly.
- Display a visual timer during morning meetings to keep routines moving.
How to set it up
- 1Sign in to your Edform account and open your classroom screen.
- 2Click the 'Add widget' button and select 'Visual timer' from the time category.
- 3Choose your timer style: circle, bar, or hourglass.
- 4Set the length of time you want (for example, 5 minutes or 20 minutes).
- 5Drag and resize the timer on your screen as needed, then start it when you are ready.
Tips
- Preview the timer before your lesson to choose the style that fits your classroom best.
- Use the timer for both short transitions and longer work periods.
- Explain to students what each timer style means the first time you use it.
- Pair the visual timer with a sound when time runs out for extra clarity.
Questions teachers ask
Can I pause or reset the visual timer during an activity?
Yes, you can pause, resume, or reset the timer at any time from your classroom screen.
Will the timer work on an interactive whiteboard or projector?
Yes, the visual timer works on any computer, interactive whiteboard, or projector connected to your device.
Can I use more than one timer at the same time?
You can add multiple timers to your classroom screen if you need to track different activities.
Is there a sound or alert when the timer ends?
You can set the timer to play a sound when time runs out, or keep it silent if you prefer.
Templates with this widget
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Transition time for pre-K (ages 3–5)
A calming, visual screen to help pre-K students move smoothly between activities.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Transition time for kindergarten–2nd grade
A ready-to-use classroom screen for smooth transitions in grades K–2, with a timer, checklist, traffic light, and friendly instructions.
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11)
Transition time for grades 3–5
A ready-to-use screen to guide grades 3–5 through smooth, calm transitions with a timer, checklist, and clear steps.
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Independent work time for pre-K
Visual timer, checklist, and simple directions for pre-K independent work.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Independent work time for K–2
A ready-made classroom screen for K–2 independent work with a checklist, timer, noise level, and clear steps.
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11)
Independent work for grades 3–5
A visual classroom screen to guide grades 3–5 through independent work with clear steps, timer, and work symbols.
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Station rotation for pre-K (ages 3–5)
A free, visual classroom screen for pre-K station rotation with timer, groups, plan, and checklist.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Station rotation for kindergarten–2nd grade
Guide K–2 students through station rotation with a visual timer, group maker, and simple checklist.