Supporting your child in telling the time

Today, let's talk about telling time. March's bundle from James' cloud series focuses on this skill, so it seemed fitting to discuss it here too.I work with a boy who struggles to tell time. He relies on his phone or Alexa but doesn't see the need for learning analogue clocks since digital displays are everywhere – in schools and even during exams. However, many parents still value teaching their children this traditional skill for situations where technology might not be available.When helping your child learn to tell time, start with the basics: seasons, months, days of the week. Create visual aids like collages depicting yearly events relevant to your family. Then associate times with daily routines—7 AM wake-up and breakfast times as examples—building familiarity and confidence.To further engage them in learning, consider making a clock from simple materials or buying one designed for educational purposes. Play games that connect specific times with activities; drawing what happens at different hours can make it fun and memorable.We also have upcoming games like 'Dot Board,' which reinforces time-telling skills through play—with cards matching times to words or replicating clock faces on an analoug clock.Remember that patience is key—it won't happen overnight just like other skills such as tying shoelaces might take some kids longer than others. To support your child effectively in learning how to tell time requires starting from scratch and building up gradually.Hope these tips help! Have a great week ahead and catch you next podcast episode!To find out more about how we learn and the Clara James Approach click here: How we learn - The Clara James Approach