Helping Kids Learn To Tell Time
There is no doubt that it is necessary for us to teach our children to tell time. Learning to tell time will give your child an advantage when it comes to learning math, as telling time involves number recognition and counting by five, ten, and fifteen. To teach your child this important skill, you need a way to make them interested in the skill and show them that it’s something they’ll be able to use every day.
Young children tend to learn more quickly, as they have a natural inquisitiveness. They also want to be able to do the things that their parents can do, like telling time. When parents or concerned adults decide to teach a child to tell time, they can do so right after the child learns to count.
The best way to teach your child to tell time is by making it fun and interesting. Begin by pointing out the two hands on the clock and explain that one is for hours and one is for minutes; you’ll also have to explain to them what a minute is and what an hour is. Once they understand that concept, then tell them that each number represents five minutes. Purchasing a clock (from just about any store) where you can move the hands will be helpful. Or you can make your own clock out of a paper plate and practice moving the hands and counting time with your child.
A great way to keep your child interested in telling time is to offer goodies for being right. So you could tell your child that if he lets you know when the clock reaches 2:30 p.m. and he’s correct, then you’ll take him out for ice cream or some other spot that he really enjoys.
Children learn best when they are able to work with adults who make the time to work with them on a one-on-one basis. This doesn’t mean you should discount technology, however, as it can be a great way to reinforce the skills they learn. You can rely a little bit on DVDs, websites and games for your PC that focus on helping your child learn to tell time.
