The Learning Resources Time Tracker is a programmable electronic timer, which is designed to help keep students of all ages focused on the task at hand. Children, teens, and even adults will find many uses for the timer. Although programmable this timer works best when used at set time intervals or a repeating time cycle. When using the timer for repeating time cycles of 15-30-45-60 minutes, when the timer is done counting down the time it will recycle and reset to the previous time interval and is ready to be used again and again, without any additional programming.

With great visual clues, the series of a green, yellow, and finally red light is similar to a stop light. One can literally watch time pass as the lights change starting from green and ending with red. By using the changing lights as visual cues, students will learn to pace his or her work in the classroom, for homework, instrumental practice, art projects, or household chores. There is a pause button that can be used if necessary to temporarily stop the countdown, for bathroom or drink breaks.

The lights are not a 360 degree view, but rather 180 degrees, which is not an issue as the lights are visible from many angles. In addition to the green, yellow, and red lights, the timer can be programmed to offer any one of six funny sounds to provide auditory reminders that time is running out for the current task, although the cow mooing, ship bell clanging and race car horn can be distracting in a classroom and quickly annoying in the home.

The Time Tracker is an excellent tool for people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Even ADD adults will find the Time Tracker is indispensable if he or she tends to hyper-focused and lose track of time during various activities. In the home or in an elementary or middle school classroom, the time tracker helps keep everyone focused on completing the current project or assignment. One of the best reasons to use the Time Tracker is to stop the constant inquires to “how long until I am done” or “how long until recess or lunch” or “how much longer do I have to practice my trumpet”.

The Time tracker is an amazing self-motivator in getting children ready to leave the home. Ready, set, and go. In essences, the Time Tracker can be set in the morning or at bedtime to remind children how much time is left before walking out the door or turning out the lights. The timer helps motivate slow children by letting them know to get moving or get left behind. By using the device as a get ready, set, and go timer, mom and dad no longer have to keep giving verbal reminders to keep the family on schedule.

The Learning Resources Time Tracker shows the actual time count down in an LCD window on the bottom and front of the timer. The Time Tracker helps children gain independence because children have fun starting the timer themselves, without constant reminders to hurry up from the adults. The Time Tracker uses four AA batteries, unless one purchases the optional DC adapter. If you choose not to purchase the adapter using rechargeable batteries is a big cost and environment savior. Although not the easiest to program initially, once set for a specific amount of time the Time Tracker is invaluable and fun to use in the classroom and home. The Learning Resource Time Tracker is available from Amazon. There is a direct link to Amazon and the Time Tracker, and the additional adapter provided below. Ready, set, and GO!