How to Make it Easy for our Child to Read Time

Children often find it difficult to learn how to read and tell the time. However, appropriate training during their early years is beneficial. The following habits will enable your child to grasp the concept of time faster, while making it easier for them to read it from clocks and watches.

1. Timetables are beneficial

Following a schedule provides stability and security, helping youngsters understand that activities must be completed at specific times. Make a routine poster label for each activity and assign a time to it. For example, ‘9 o’clock is breakfast time’, ‘10 o’clock is study time’, and so on.

2. Time-centric conversations

Make time-related vocabulary a part of your everyday conversations by reciting the days of the week and months of the year. Use phrases like, “tomorrow is your father’s birthday” or “we’re going to see your grandmother in the afternoon today”.

3. Hourly announcements

Keep a clock in everyone’s vicinity at home and call out the time on a regular basis. On checking their routine poster, they can ascertain their next activity. Use the word ‘o’clock’ and gradually move on to ‘am’ and ‘pm’. It helps children associate time with the respective part of the day.

4. Passage of time

Give your child a time frame within which an activity must be completed. For example, you can watch television for half an hour. The concept of minutes and seconds can also be demonstrated with study breaks by asking them to follow a timer for short breaks while studying.

5. Create your own clock

Get craft supplies and design a simple clock with your child. Apart from being a fun activity, it helps the child learn the different parts of a clock. Gradually teach your child what an hour, half an hour, five minutes, and a second look like on a clock.

6. The sequencing activity

Draw or print your child’s daily routine by asking them to arrange cards in the order that each activity is completed. This allows the youngster to differentiate between activities done during the day and at night.

7. Sun, shadows and time

In ancient times people made sundials to read time. It is a simple scientific device that uses the sun to tell time. Make one by fixing a stick on the ground and marking the numbered area where its shadow falls. Compare it with a clock, and see your child light up in wonder!