How to teach your kids to tell the time

Along with learning how to tie shoelaces and how to write, learning how to tell the time is one of childhood’s milestones. Before you begin making your clocks, make sure your kid knows the basics. Once the clocks are made, you can start teaching them the different blocks of time.

1.Get down to Basics.rnKids need to be able to count to 60 (in the correct order) to tell time. Have your child write down the numbers 1 through 60 on a piece of paper. As they write each number, have them recite the number as well. Post this piece of paper on a wall and have them recite the numbers regularly. rnWhile you are out in public, like at the grocery store, point out double-digit numbers and have your child repeat the number to you.rnTo encourage your child to learn, make sure to reward them with playtime or their favourite snack for doing a good job.

2.Practice counting by 5srnUnderstanding groups of five will also make learning to tell time much easier. Have your child write down increments of five on a sheet of paper up to 60. As they write the numbers, have them recite them as well. Make sure to point out that each number either ends in a 5 or a 0.

3.Teach them the general concept of time.rnGeneral concepts of time are the morning, noon, the evening, and night time. Familiarize your kid with these concepts by associating each concept with certain activities. Then quiz your kid by asking them when certain things happen. rnFor example, “In the morning we eat breakfast and brush our teeth. At noon, we eat lunch and take a nap. At night, we read a book and go to sleep.”

What happens next?rnSince you have completed steps 1 to 3, your child will have an idea about what time means.rnAlso, the child understands movements on the clock. In this step, the child is able to understand the basic fractions (especially half past) on the clock.rnPlus, when he/she gets a watch, the attempt to tell time more accurately improves.

Your child will be introduced to the clock through these steps and activities. Not only do these activities engross your child, it’s a fun way to pass time together.rnWhile one child may tell time in a matter of days, another may not be inclined towards time for weeks after you begin. In both cases, make sure that you keep your instructions and activities going and buy your children their own clock.

The results? Only time will tell!