Let me set the scene. COVID-19. Lock down and Remote Learning. 2020.

As we began remote learning, we realised that we could turn this into an opportunity to see where our kids really stood academically.

Telling time was something that we hadn’t really thought of but soon discovered that we did not have an analogue clock in our home. Yes, really. How could the kids learn to tell the time if we didn’t have clock for them on our walls?

We were introduced to the EasyRead Time Teacher and found that it is perfect for teaching children to tell the time.

The watch, clock and resources are available in two versions, the ‘past and to’ or a 24 hour, we opted for the past and to version for Alegria and Isaac. There is merit to both though and we have since found out that they need to understand both methods. Anyway, we have to start somewhere so here we are!

The EasyRead Time Teacher is an ideal teacher to help your child learn to tell the time.  Its clear design and simple 3-step teaching system make it very easy for children to learn to read the time in terms of ‘minutes past’ and ‘minutes to’ the hour.

Step 1: Read the number at the end of the long hand.

Step 2: Say “minutes to” if it’s pointing to the red side of the watch, or say “minutes past” if it’s pointing to the green side (it’s written there if your child can read).

Step 3: Read the number at the end of the short hand.  Like this: 10…minutes to…2.

WATCH

This is the ideal first watch for children age 4+. The clear face design and simple teaching method make it really easy for children to learn to tell the time. The washable nylon strap fits wrists from 12 cm to 18 cm (child to adult).

The version we have is water resistant to splashes [no swimming or bath time!] they do have a water proof version and I would get that if you don’t want to feel panicked that you will forget and the kids will jump in the bath or the pool and ruin it!

CLOCK

Our family use this clock everyday! The EasyRead 2 or 3-step teaching method leads children through the process of learning to tell the time. The clear dial carries all the information children need to learn to tell the time.

RESOURCES

The cards can be used to play various games including snap, matching pairs, buddy-up and bingo. Each game will help in teaching your child to learn to tell the time. Each pack contains 60 playing cards showing 15 different times of the day (4 of each time), plus 2 double-sided game instruction cards.

The TwinTime Student Cards are a ‘hands on’ teaching resource for children learning the time elements of the primary school numeracy curriculum. The cards are double-sided and feature a Past & To dial on one side, and a 24 hour time dial on the other; with independently moveable hands on both sides. They are made from high gloss write on wipe off PVC sheet, and have a space below the clock to write the time displayed on the clock. These cards are useful for counting forwards and backwards from 30; for learning fractions; and counting in 5s and 10s.

MORE INFORMATION

Price: EasyRead Watch – $39.95 ($59.95 for waterproof); EasyRead Wall Clock – from $39.95 Resources – from $9.95
More information or to purchase:  EasyRead Time Teacher website