Telling Time: The Clock

Telling time is a practical application of number skills. The clock also introduces the concept of base-60 and circular number arrangement.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Operations
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Read analog clock faces
• Understand hours and minutes
• Connect to daily schedule
• Develop time vocabulary

Materials

• Demonstration clock with moveable hands
• Individual student clocks
• Daily schedule cards

Instructions

1. Explore clock parts: hour hand, minute hand, numbers. 2. Start with hours: 'When the big hand is on 12, we read the number the small hand is on.' 3. Practice hour times with schedule: 'Lunch at 12 o'clock.' 4. Introduce half hour, quarter hour. 5. Progress to reading any time.

Educator tip

Connect to meaningful events in the child's day. 'What time does school start? Let's set the clock to that time.'

Assessment

Child reads clock accurately and connects times to daily events.

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