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Wooden Sand Timers (Set of 4)

Name: Wooden Sand Timers (Set of 4)
Brand: QToys
Price: 79.9 AUD
Availability: InStock

$79.90

This quaint set of Sand Timers is evocative of a simpler time when moments were allowed to pass naturally like grains of sand falling through an hourglass (rather than our lives being over-scheduled by our endlessly beeping smartphones!). This beautifully crafted set is designed to blend functionality with natural elegance. Each timer in this set marks a specific duration: 1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes. The durations are marked on both halves of the hourglass, so whichever way the timer is tipped or turned you can still see a marker in the correct orientation. This diverse selection of timing allows for versatile use in various activities.

Each Timer is aesthetically beautiful - with natural wood framing the glass casing half-filled with sand. Each timer has a different colour to reinforce the varying durations. Each Timer is quite petite, measuring approximately 7.5×7.5×10.5(cms). This makes it the ideal size for little hands to hold effectively. The wooden frame protects the glass inside, so while they feel precious they are quite robust.

Sand timers are useful as a visual representation of a finite period of time. Sometimes there are moments when we simply can't continue following the child's uninterrupted repetitions of activity because there is a transition that needs to be made or an appointment to be kept. If your child, or your class, struggles to accept verbal reminders (such as "we need to go in one minute!" or "one more turn then you need to stop!") then the timer be used as a definitive external reminder - "When the timer runs out it is time to go"! This is particularly useful for children who need a bit of extra scaffolding to handle transitions, such as those who may be neurodivergent. Giving some notice and an objective, tangible representation of the timeframe helps to empower each child and promote inclusion.

Timers can also be valuable for reinforcing routines at home. For instance, the two minute timer could be used to show how long a child needs to keep brushing their teeth. A five minute timer could represent how much longer a child needs to stay at the dinner table before being excused.

Whether at home or in a classroom, the Sand Timers can also help to encourage positive and harmonious social interaction. They are a great way to provide fairness and equity in turn-taking. Children can negotiate together to agree on which unit of time will represent each turn, and then use that corresponding Sand Timer to swap back and forth or to rotate turns between a group.

Sand Timers can also be incorporated into experiences that foster emotional well-being. They can be part of mindfulness activities, representing a period of time during which a child will try to remain still and 'grounded' to the earth, focusing on their breathing.

Of course, the Sand Timers are also great for introducing maths concepts! They help to tangibly demonstrate the passage of time for children who are learning how to tell time.

The fact that they come in a set means that they can be used for a range of other mathematical activities such as timing, measuring or comparing.

I use the Sand Timer as a prop for 'Walking the Line' exercises in my Pre-school. In this exercise the child takes careful, heel-to-toe steps along a predetermined line (such as the edge of a mat, or on a line drawn or taped to the floor). We use various props to increase the challenge of the task and to create a 'point of interest' to make it a fun and engaging exercise for the child. The Sand Timer is a great example of a Walking the Line prop - the child flips it over at the start of his/her walk and then watches as the grains of sand fall during the walk. It makes the experience more challenging as the child's eyes are focused on something other than his/her feet (so it is therefore an advanced stage, not an introductory level, for this exercise). It also helps create a calm, meditative state for the child so that he/she can focus on taking slow, controlled steps rather than starting to rush.

I have also used timers to represent a period of time for our 'Silence Game'. This game involves inviting children to create a 'Silence' by ensuring that their voices and bodies make absolutely no sound at all. The period for this game can be defined in a number of ways - for example, I often use my fingers to count out 10 seconds of silence or we switch the lights off at the start of the silence and only turn them back on when the silence is finished. My class has also enjoyed using sand timers for this game - we create a silence for as long as it takes for the timer to run out! This One Minute Timer would, in my opinion, might be as long as a pre-school class could aim to hold a silence (as most pre-school age children do not have the self-control to maintain silence for a longer time and it could therefore step into the territory of an artificially 'imposed' silence rather than a fun group project!) The other Timers could, however, be part of a 'silence' in a primary school classroom or in a home where just a couple of siblings could work together to maintain a special 'silence'.

This set of 4 Sand Timers is not only a practical tool but also an eco-friendly choice, in line with Qtoys’ commitment to sustainability. Made from responsibly sourced wood and free from harsh chemicals, these sand timers are safe for little hands and the environment. The timers combine functionality, sustainability, and beauty. This makes it a thoughtful choice for eco-conscious families and educators. Whether for educational purposes, mindfulness activities, or simply as a charming decorative piece, these sand timers offer more than just a way to track time. They provide a meaningful, nature-inspired approach to learning and daily living.

Recommended for ages 3+