What Is the Time?

This problem assesses and extends children's understanding of "telling the time", which is really reading the clock. Many children have difficulties with this, which is not surprising when you realise that analogue clocks are two dials superimposed on one another.

 

This problem only uses times which are exactly on the numbers relating to five minute intervals, and is best attempted once children are familiar with which hand is which, and what each one indicates.  

The clock pictures can be downloaded here (word, pdf) and the time in words here (word, pdf). These can be printed (and possibly laminated), then cut into separate cards. You could provide a set of cards for each pair, or they could be enlarged and used by a group of up to four children. This sheet (word, pdf) of empty clock faces could be useful.

 

This task is probably best introduced with a minimum of teacher talk. Simply give each pair or group the cards and invite them to order the clock faces. The time in words can also be arranged to accompany the clock pictures.  Give them plenty of time to tackle the challenge and try to step back.  You may wish to stop them after some time to discuss what they have done so far so that ideas are shared among the whole class.

 

In the plenary, encourage children to explain how they went about the task, rather than only focusing on their final answer.  Listen out for children who realise that the hour hand is the hand to look at first.  If there are disagreements about the order, invite pairs or groups to try and justify their thinking.  None of the clocks or the written times mentions am/pm so it will be interesting to see how the children cope with this and whether it comes up in their conversations.  

What does that hand tell you?

Which of these two clocks shows the earliest time? How do you know?