Time Timer Visual Timers for Kids, Classrooms and Sensory Support
Time Timer is a brand of visual countdown timers. A coloured disc slowly disappears as time runs out, giving the user an immediate visual sense of how much time is left.
Time Timer products are used in classrooms, therapy rooms and at home to support transitions, focus, routines and self-regulation. The full Time Timer range is available at The Therapy Store, including the MOD, MOD Home Edition, Plus, Twist and waterproof Element models in a range of colours and sizes.
Why a Visual Timer Helps Kids See Time
Many children find it hard to picture how much time is left. A visual timer for kids fixes that. Instead of saying "ten more minutes" or "until the bell rings", a Time Timer shows the time counting down on a disc the child can see. One glance tells them how much is left.
Visual timers are widely used to support:
- Transitions between activities at home, school and therapy
- Children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences or anxiety
- Focus on and on-task work during homework, reading or chores
- Turn-taking, screen-time limits, mealtime routines and bedtime wind-downs
- Self-regulation and independence
The countdown is silent and visual rather than ticking or buzzing, so a Time Timer can be used in environments where audible alarms would be disruptive or overstimulating.
Choosing a Time Timer
The Time Timer range covers a few different formats. The right one depends on where it will be used and who will be using it.
- Time Timer MOD. Compact, portable visual timer. Suited to one-on-one or small-group use at home, in therapy or in a small classroom. Available in standard and Home Edition variations.
- Time Timer MOD with Dry Erase Board. The MOD visual timer, combined with a small whiteboard, is useful for visual schedules and pairing the countdown with a written task or instruction.
- Time Timer Plus. A larger visual timer available in 5-minute and 60-minute versions. The larger size suits classrooms or other settings where the timer needs to be seen from a distance.
- Time Timer Twist. A twist-to-set design that can be easier for younger children to operate independently.
- Time Timer Element. A digital, waterproof visual timer suitable for bath time, swimming lessons or other wet environments.
If you're unsure which Time Timer is right for your needs, contact our team for a recommendation.
Where Time Timers Are Used
Classrooms
A classroom timer needs to be visible from around the room, simple to operate, and reliable for repeated daily use. Time Timer products are commonly used by teachers and learning support staff for activity blocks, transitions, test timing, turn-taking and quiet reading. For school purchasing options, see our School Orders page.
Sensory and therapy support
A sensory timer helps children with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, or anxiety manage the unpredictability of time. The silent visual countdown removes the ticking and beeping that can overload an already busy sensory system. Time Timer products are commonly used by occupational therapists, speech pathologists and educators.
Home
At home, a visual timer for kids supports daily routines without a parent or carer having to repeat instructions. Common uses include morning getting-ready routines, homework blocks, screen-time limits, brushing teeth, mealtime pacing and bedtime wind-downs.
NDIS participants
Time Timer products may be eligible for funding under an NDIS plan when they relate to a participant's disability and the goals in their plan. The Therapy Store is a registered NDIS provider. See our NDIS Orders page for ordering options for self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Time Timer?
A Time Timer is a visual countdown timer that uses a coloured disc to show time passing. As the time runs down, the disc gradually disappears, giving the user a clear visual reference for how much time is left. Time Timer is a brand name. What makes the product distinctive is the disc countdown format, which differs from a traditional kitchen or digital timer.
How does a visual timer help children?
A visual timer makes time something a child can see. This supports transitions between activities, helps build independence, and reduces the uncertainty that comes with not knowing how long is left. Visual timers are commonly used for children with ADHD, autism or sensory processing differences, and are also widely used in mainstream classrooms and at home.
Are Time Timers suitable for classroom use?
Yes. Time Timer products are widely used in Australian classrooms as a visual timer for activity timing, transitions, test timing, turn-taking and quiet reading blocks. The Plus range is the larger format and is generally chosen when the timer needs to be visible from across the room.
Can a Time Timer be used as a sensory timer?
Yes. A Time Timer is a common sensory timer choice because the countdown is silent and visual rather than audible. There is no ticking and no flashing lights, which makes it suitable for children who are sensitive to sound or who find traditional timers overstimulating.
What's the difference between the Time Timer MOD, Plus and Twist?
The MOD is compact and portable, suited to one-on-one or small-group use at home, in therapy or in a small classroom. The Plus is the larger format and is generally chosen for group classroom settings or anywhere the timer needs to be seen from a distance. The Twist uses a twist-to-set design, which can be easier for younger children to operate independently.
Can I buy a Time Timer through my NDIS plan?
Time Timer products may be eligible for funding under an NDIS plan when they relate to a participant's disability and the goals in their plan. The Therapy Store is a registered NDIS provider and accepts self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed orders. Eligibility depends on your individual plan and support budget. Visit our NDIS Orders page for more information on how to place an order.