Practicing with Clocks

Telling time with analog clocks seems to be especially challenging for children. Is it the proliferation of digital clocks? Whatever the reason, here at The Yellin Center we often work with children who are great at math except for those pesky clocks. How to help kids practice? Giving a child an attractive analog watch that will motivate him or her to use it often can be very effective. Here are two more fun, easy ideas to get youngsters excited about and comfortable with telling time from analog clocks:

Paper Plate Clocks

Supplies: two paper plates, something to write with, glue, a brad, colored paper, a hole punch

Make a clock with a “cheat sheet” underneath! Begin by writing the numbers 1-12 around the perimeter of a paper plate so that it resembles a clock face. Make cuts between each of the numbers so that they resemble tabs which can be folded toward the center of the clock. Next, write the numbers 00, 05, 10, etc. around the perimeter of a second plate so that they line up with the numbers on the “clock.” Now punch a hole in the center of each plate. Spread a small amount of glue on the second plate (the one with 00, 05, etc. on it) around the hole you punched and lay the “clock” plate on top. Use a brad to join the plates and to attach two paper clock hands. The finished product should look like a regular clock with movable hands, but this one allows students to fold down the numbers to help them practice telling time to the minute. For example, if the minute hand is pointing at the 7, a child can fold the 7 toward the middle of the clock to reveal the hidden 35 underneath. Practice moving the hands to various positions and asking children what time it is now.

Daily Routine Clocks

Supplies: paper, scissors, something to write with

For kids who have predictable schedules, make and label a different clock for each event. For example, if your child has soccer practice each day at 4:30, construct a paper clock showing 4:30 and label it “Soccer Practice.” If your family eats dinner each night at 7:00, make a “Dinner” clock as well. Tack your paper clocks on the wall around a working analog clock, and when children ask what time an event will take place, ask them to find the right paper clock and compare it with the real clock. For more advanced time tellers, ask them how long it will be until an event happens.

Thanks to Clutter Free Classroom and Teacher Web for great inspiration!