Description

The third step in the Child’s understanding of time is the introduction of the Clock Activity – the Quarter Past.  Do not introduce this step too soon.  Rather, allow plenty of practice with the 0’Clock and half past the hourly o’Clock activities first.  Once these concepts are easily recognised, then introduce this next step.

How to Present this activity:

Present the quarter past the hourly activity of time, using the fraction circles as a guide.  The Child absorbs the sensorial concept of how one hour compares to one circle.  By cutting both items in half and half again, the Child grasps the concept of a quarter hour or a quarter circle.

Previously, the Child believed that time was measured by actions, movement, how long (or short) it will be and it’s importance.  “Time to wake up, to eat, sleep, to go to the park or to work.”  Now, they are beginning to grasp the concept of how similar to mathematics, telling the time is.

We suggest you use the fraction circles when presenting this activity to the Child.

Features of the Clock Activity for the Quarter Past o’Clock set:

• Control cards (12), each one displaying an analog clock-face with a different quarter-past the hourly o’clock time; and labelled (in words), for the quarter past the time displayed
• Mute cards (12) displaying the analog clock-face only. Each card reflects a different quarter past the hourly o’clock time.
• 12 Labels each one with a different quarter past time, written in words, example 12 o’clock.
• Control cards (12), each one displaying an analog clock-face with a different quarter past the hourly o’clock time; and labelled (digitally – in numbers) for the time displayed
• 12 Labels each one with a different quarter past the hourly time, in numbers, example 12:00.
• a plastic container with a lid

This activity seeks to achieve two different objectives.  The direct objective; with practice, the Child learns to tell the time.  Indirectly, children improve their vocabulary, numeracy and reading skills.

Note: we sell the clock (in the illustration), separately.