Clean Up Timer
Three minutes on the clock, a clear job for everyone, and a cheer when the room is ready.
Activity
Time
Station rotations
4 × 3 minutes, 60s to switch · 3 minutes total
Press Show to class for the board or projector. The disc shrinks and turns yellow, then red. Space starts and pauses. The screen stays awake while the timer runs.
Time's up!
Great work, everyone.
Why use a clean up timer
Clean-up goes faster when students can see the time left instead of asking how long they have. The disc starts full and green, turns yellow halfway, and red for the last stretch, so even pre-readers know when to hurry. When it runs out, the board says “Room looks great!” with a burst of confetti.
How to run it
- Give every table or helper a job before you start: floor, supplies, desks, books.
- Press Show to class so the board shows only the timer and the words “Clean up”.
- Press Start. Walk the room instead of watching the clock: the chime tells you when time is up.
- Need more time after a messy project? Tap +1 min. The disc adjusts without restarting.
Tips
- Use the same length every day. Students learn what three minutes feels like.
- Name a “clean-up checker” who scans the room when the disc turns red.
- Pair the timer with a song if your class likes music; the timer keeps working in the background.
Questions teachers ask
How long should classroom clean-up take?
Most teachers use 2 to 5 minutes. This page starts at 3 minutes, which fits a normal end-of-lesson tidy. After art or science, 5 minutes is more realistic.
Does the timer make a sound at the end?
Yes, a short rising chime, plus 3-2-1 blips just before it ends. You can mute all sounds with the speaker button.
Can I change the words on the board?
Yes. Type anything into “Words on the board”, for example “Floor patrol!”. It shows above the disc in large letters.