With the time change, the clocks were all out at school on Monday morning. Since I had to reach the clock down off the wall to change it, it was a good time to talk about telling time. Digital clocks are much easier to learn to read but analog clocks show time as a whole. At this age, time is a concept that is still developing and it can be difficult to teach. While telling time is not part of kindergarten readiness, children are expected to have some vocabulary and a beginning understanding, such as knowing day and night.
To start, go around the clock and just say the hour numbers. It’s like counting! Guide children to see that the hands move around the clock. At a few different times, check to see if the clock looks different than before or the same. Lots of practice and time is needed before this skill is learned.
Q. What did the digital clock say to the analog? A. Look, no hands! Send in your comments and suggestions anytime!