TEACHING KIDS TO TELL THE TIME

Learning to tell time is a key skill that helps your child throughout life. It can be approached in a sequenced way, making it easier for both parents and kids.

To us adults, telling the time is so straightforward, we barely think about it. However, when you break it down to explain to kids, you'll see how complicated it actually is. There are a variety of skills involved, as well as an understanding of the concept that time passes. Thankfully, there's a tried and tested way to teach your child, so don't worry!

WHEN TO START

Around six years of age, children begin to become aware of time itself. They'll notice a difference between what happened before, what's happening now and what will happen. Your little one may start to grasp being told, "Not now, but later". These are signs that they're ready to learn how to tell the time. Don't stress if they don't get it straight away - this is a slow and gentle process that may take a couple of years to complete.

FUNDAMENTALS

Before introducing them to an analogue clock, it's best to ensure that your child has a broad idea of what time is. They don't have to understand anything complicated. All that's needed is a basic grasp of the units of time and that time passes. Tell your child about minutes, hours, days, morning, evening and night. They'll probably have heard these words before more casually, but do still discuss the concepts.