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What Time Is It? It’s Time to Teach Your Kids How to Tell Time!
by Jenna Parker
Updated: June 14, 2021
Originally Published: March 19, 2021
While there are numerous digital gadgets available to make life easier, it remains essential for children to learn how to read the clock. Mastering the skill of telling time is as fundamental as learning to tie shoelaces, and once your child grasps it, there’s no need for ongoing reinforcement. Plus, it can be an enjoyable activity! You can utilize your own wall clock as a teaching tool or, if you prefer, buy a simple clock from the store. Although teaching kids to tell time may feel a bit daunting at first, finding the right approach will significantly reduce the pressure.
It’s true that some children may be hesitant to learn, especially since many elementary schoolers have smart devices that notify them of everything from mealtime to the end of school. Yet, wall clocks are still prevalent in both classrooms and homes, and not being able to tell time can put them at a disadvantage.
Beyond its practicality, teaching your child to tell time can be a delightful experience. All it takes is a little creativity to come up with engaging games centered around telling time.
Games for Learning to Tell Time
The website Education.com offers a variety of free online games aimed at helping kids learn how to tell time. However, you can also create your own activities at home. For instance, use a clock and ask your child to move the minute and hour hands to specified times for practice.
Another fun game involves using dice. Roll two and see the numbers that come up. If you roll a six and a two, ask your child what time that could represent (6:10 or 2:30 would both work).
If the weather is pleasant, you might even create a large clock outside with a hula hoop and some chalk. Encourage your child to draw the clock face inside it. Depending on their size, they can act as the hour hand or the minute hand as you call out different times. Alternatively, you can use this as a large visual aid to assist their understanding.
You could also have the kids physically participate in the learning process. Draw a giant clock on your driveway without any hands. Then, have some children represent the hour hand while others act as minute hands. Each time you want to demonstrate a specific time, have two of the kids lie down on the clock and form that time. Involving children creatively can make the learning experience less intimidating.
Cut out paper watches showing different times and attach them to each child’s wrist. Have them mingle and write down the time displayed on each other’s watches. Afterward, review their lists together, and the child with the most correct answers can win a prize. They can also decorate their paper watches, provided they don’t obscure the time display.
To reinforce the concept of different times, assign each child a specific time. Move the hands of a large clock to match that time, and when their time is displayed, that child must perform a dance move. Associating actions with numbers can help solidify their understanding of time. Repeat this for several rounds to further enhance their grasp of the concept.
Effective Approaches to Teaching Time
Before you start teaching, ensure your child can count up to 60, as understanding minutes is crucial. Practicing counting by fives is also important. Once they have these skills down, the process will become much smoother. It’s essential for children to recognize how the day is divided, such as distinguishing between morning, afternoon, and evening.
While some kids may rely on the sun to gauge the time of day, this method can be unreliable, especially with Daylight Saving Time changes.
What to Expect When Teaching Kids to Tell Time
According to MathGenie, the ideal age to start teaching is around five years old. By this age, they should be able to identify both hour and half-hour markers. Ideally, they should also learn to read 15-minute intervals, although this may take some time to grasp.
Avoid overwhelming children with Roman numerals too early, as this may discourage them. While many clocks feature these numerals, it’s an advanced skill best taught after they’ve mastered the basics of telling time.
Be Patient
As adults, we might find telling time second nature after years of practice. However, this is a new skill for your child, and it may take them a while to feel confident. Consistent practice is key. Once they learn to tell time, it’s a skill they’ll retain for life. Make the learning experience enjoyable, and don’t hesitate to quiz them as their confidence grows. When out in public, point out clocks and ask them the time. Eventually, all the pieces will click into place.
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Summary
Teaching children how to tell time is a vital skill that can be both fun and rewarding. Using creative games and hands-on activities, parents can cultivate their child’s understanding through playful learning. With patience and practice, children can master this essential skill, paving the way for greater independence.