About the 20 minute timer
Twenty minutes is the length many teachers recommend for nightly reading, and a popular length for homework blocks and power naps. Start it, and let the flash tell you when to stop.
Ways to use it
- Nightly reading time.
- Homework focus blocks.
- Power naps.
Frequently asked questions
Why 20 minutes of reading?
Many schools recommend about 20 minutes of reading a day, because regular practice builds vocabulary and fluency over time.
Will it wake me up from a nap?
Keep sound on for a nap so the alarm beeps. The flash alone won’t wake you.
Can I keep the timer on screen while I present slides?
Yes. Click "Pop out timer" and a small timer window floats on top of everything, including Google Slides or PowerPoint in fullscreen. Drag it to a corner and resize it. In Chrome and Edge it has its own Start, Pause and Reset buttons.
How do I make the timer silent?
Click the big "Sound on" button so it says "Sound off". The timer will only flash the screen when time is up. Your choice is remembered next time.
Will the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes. The timer counts from the clock, not from the page, so it stays accurate in a background tab. The tab title also shows the time left.
Is the screen flash safe for students?
Yes. It pulses slowly, about once a second, well below the speed that can affect people with photosensitive epilepsy, and stops after 10 seconds. You can turn it off too.