Need ideas on teaching kids concept of time

I don't mean how to TELL time. I mean the duration of time. They seem to think when I tell them You have a minute, it's really 20. They don't understand what I mean when I say You have 5 minutes to finish this b/c there are a lot of kids this year who don't use their time efficiently. I know they are 6 but in my past classes, they seemed to know a minute was NOT very long.

Re: Need ideas on teaching kids concept of time

I have one of these:
Time Tracker Classroom Timer

It flashes green, yellow and red as the time ticks down. There are also sound effects which are a little distracting, but I think you can turn them off.

Re: Need ideas on teaching kids concept of time

I use the good old fashion white kitchen timer at all points during the day (usually during the independent work time or centers) and I'll say whatever time is set for whatever activity. I'm hoping that at some point they will catch on to the concept of time through repetition. it also gets those kids who dont work effeciently to speed up when I say 5mins left.

Re: Need ideas on teaching kids concept of time

This is the time tracker I use in my class, that way the kids can visually see how much time they have left.time keeper

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Message edited 9/26/2009 7:30:06 PM.

Re: Need ideas on teaching kids concept of time

I have this
http://www.schoolmart.com/teachersteachtimer-overheadprojectortimer.aspx