Are you wondering how to teach a child to tell the time? I bet you’re also looking for fun ways to teach time. Well my friend, hands on teaching strategies are the way to go! Here’s a list of 8 hands on and fun ways to teach telling time.

1.) Free Clock Crafts

First up, we have these super adorable clock crafts. For one, students have to build the clock by cutting out the numbers 1-12 and glueing them in order. They color in the cute robot and add the moving clock hands. This is perfect for first graders who need to learn time to the nearest hour or half hour.

For the other craft, students create flaps on the fish. This is great for second graders who need to learn time to the nearest five minutes. You can read about how to make the fish craft here.

The best part? These crafts are free! Grab them here.

2.) Play dough

Next up, we have the magic of play dough! What kid doesn’t love play dough?

Your students can create clock hands to show hour or half hour times. This is a hands on (and super fun) way of learning to tell the time.

3.) Whiteboard Markers

This is similar to the last activity, but instead of making the times using playdough, students can draw the clock hands with whiteboard markers. Whiteboard markers are always more interesting than paper and pencils! The great thing is that you can laminate and use these clocks over and over. Perfect for a Math center.

Have you ever asked the following questions…

• How do I start teaching time?
• What is the easiest way to teach time?
• How do you explain the concept of time to a child?
• How can I teach my child the time?

If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone! Teaching the concept of time is a tricky topic. That’s why I am here to help with these ideas.

The key is to make the learning hands on, visual, and engaging. Let’s see what other hands on ways to teach telling time we have.

4.) Classroom clock

Here we have an idea for incidental teaching and learning. Decorate your classroom clock with numbers. This is perfect for second grade and third grade students who need practice with time to the nearest five minutes. Throughout the school day, you can ask students what time it is. This will really help them to memorize where 5 minutes past is, for example.

I think the flower idea is pretty cute! With the first one, students can also see what time recess and lunch is etc. This will put a stop to students asking ‘what time is lunch?’

5.) Anchor chart

Anchor charts are a great way to explain the concept of time to first grade students. Some students really benefit from visual displays like this. I suggest using anchor charts at the beginning of your lessons.

6.) Clock hat

Kids loving getting crafty, so why not create cute clock hats with your students?

Materials:

• Construction paper or heavy cardstock
• Clock hat template
• small metal brads
• scissors
• stick glue
• crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• clear tape (optional)

7.) Paper plate clocks

Next, we have the famous paper plate clock idea. The two layers are the perfect way to teach time to the nearest 5 minutes. Grab some paper plates and scissors and you’re good to go!

8.) Egg times

Last up, we have this cute egg activity. It’s great for matching up times and clock faces (both digital and analog).

I hope you’ve enjoyed these hands on and fun ways to teach telling time!

Looking for more?

If you’re looking for some more activities, check these out –

Telling time worksheets (hour)

Are you teaching time to the hour / half hour? Then these worksheets are exactly what you need for your Math lessons or Math centers! This packet is a selection of time worksheets and activities for First Grade. Click here to check it out.

Telling time worksheets (quarter past and quarter to)

Are you teaching quarter past / quarter to time? Are your students working toward reading time to the nearest five minute intervals? Then this product is perfect for your Math lessons or centers! Click here to check it out.

telling time boom cards

These Boom Cards are exactly what you need for teaching time in a fun way. These digital task cards feature engaging activities for telling time to the nearest hour and half hour. They are interactive and self-checking Math games! Click here to take a look.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post!

Psst! Click here to access my free resource library! If you become a V.I.P, you’ll get access to a bunch of free activities.