how to add a timer to google slides

I have a confession to make, sometimes I struggle to keep track of time in my classroom or during a PD Session. The classroom clock just does not get it done.

A few years ago, someone showed me how to embed a timer in a Google Slide presentation. This has become a staple in my classroom. I embed a YouTube Video in the corner of the objective slide when I know that I want a visible countdown.

Students like to know when an activity should be finished.
Students who might finish early have a tendency to continue working/exploring when the timer is on the screen.
It helps me keep track and not miss any planned transitions.

Here is the process.

1. Create a slide presentation.

2. Add your content.

3. Choose the slide that will display the timer. (Typically for me, this is my objectives for the activity.)

4. Open the "Insert Menu" and click on Video.

5. If you have preselected a YouTube countdown timer, you can paste the url. I typically just enter the terms countdown timer and the length of time to find one that works.

6. Highlight the one you want and click "Select".

7. Resize and Drag to an open location on the slide and you are ready to go.

8. When you want to start the timer, just click on the play button. You are ready to go.

You can put in any length of a timer and then drag it to the start time you desire if you are using different countdowns during a class. Clickhere to see the timer in action.

If you are looking for additional options for timers and clocks, please explore this post.

Visual Display Resources for Classroom Projectors and Flat Screens