Teaching Children About Time And Time Telling Games

Show your children how we use a variety of different clocks to tell time: on the microwave, watches, the DVD player, on mobile phones, on the computer. Explain how some clocks have numbers, others have roman numerals - and some work in 24 hour time. You don't have to explain the subtle nuances behind each of these - just show them that they exist.

Get crafty with paper plates, pipecleaners and stick-on numbers. Make a clock face with the plate, copy a regular clock to stick all the numbers in place, and make hands out of pipecleaners - one long hand and one short hand. Explain what the big hand's for, and what the little hand is for, and then you can use your new clock for time telling games.

When children are learning anything new it helps to expose them to as many options as possible. The fun game of  "What's the time Mr Wolf?" can be a great start. Any child that can count to 12 can play and it helps them understand.

Help him grasp the concept of time by putting on a timer while you're doing things together. Time two minutes worth of toothbrushing, 15 minutes in the bath, 30 minutes on the trampoline. It's the little things like this that add up to greater understanding.

A family calendar can help children understand the concept of time and how it relates to life. Have the days of the week down one side, divided into morning, afternoon and night, and the names of various family members across the top. Pop in all your tasks: swimming lessons, pre-school, school, work, music lessons… This will help kids understand time - and help keep the family organised as well.

This article has been republished with permission from Kidspot.