Learn to read a clock with hands

How to do it

Use a real analog clock from the wall, not a printout. Take it down. Show them: the short hand goes around once every 12 hours. The long hand goes around once every hour. When the long hand is on 12, it's exactly the hour. When the long hand is on 6, it's half past. Turn the hands together — 'show me 3 o'clock,' 'show me half past 7.' Now: 'When is bedtime?' Let them set the clock. Hang it back on the wall. They'll glance at it the rest of the night. Reading a clock with hands is a small ceremony every kid still deserves.

What you'll need

• An analog wall clock

  Amazon

• Clock-reading printable

  PrintableOpen