Lots of clocks
It's a good idea to show your child how to use lots of different clocks to tell the time: on the microwave, watches, the DVD player, mobile phones, on the computer. Sit your child down and explain how some clocks have numbers and others have roman numerals. It's enough to just show them to your child.
Paper plate clocks
Have fun with paper plates, pipe cleaners and stick-on numbers. Make a clock face together with the plate, copy a regular clock to stick all the numbers in the right place, and make the clock hands out of pipe cleaners - one long hand and one short hand. Explain to your child what the big and little hands are for and then use your new clock for time telling games.
What time is it Mr Wolf?
When children are learning anything new it helps to expose them to as many options as possible. The fun game of “What time is it Mr. Wolf?” is terrific fun and a great start. Any child that can count to 12 can play and it helps them understand the concept of time.
Timer activities
Help him understand the concept of time by putting on a timer while you're doing things together. Time two minutes worth of tooth brushing, 15 minutes in the bath, 30 minutes on the trampoline. Little things like this that add up a greater understanding.
Family calendar
A family calendar can also help a child understand the concept of time and how it relates to everyday life. Have the days of the week written on one side, divide into morning, afternoon and night, and then write the names of various family members across the top.
Get your child to help you write in all their activities such as swimming lessons, pre-school, school, work, music lessons. Children will get a better idea of how time works and it will help keep the whole family organised too.
