Helping kids learn how to use a clock doesn’t have to feel like homework. In fact, when you introduce time through play, daily routines, and the right tools, learning becomes something kids enjoy — and remember.

Here are simple, fun methods to make teaching children to use a clock effective and engaging, whether you're a parent or an early childhood teacher.

1. Anchor Time to Daily Routines

Kids understand time best when it's tied to what happens — not just numbers.

• “We eat lunch when the little hand points to 12.”

• “Story time is when the clock says 7.”

• Create a visual schedule showing key parts of their day with matching clock images

Want to take it further? Mount a Time Timer wall clock in your child’s room or play area. The red disk makes the passage of time visible, which is incredibly helpful for visual learners.

2. Play With a Movable-Hand Clock

Kids love anything they can control. A simple toy clock with movable hands becomes a learning powerhouse.

• Ask them to “Show me 3 o’clock”

• Turn it into a challenge: “Can you make 6:30?”

• Use it to mimic their real daily schedule

This reinforces how positions of the hands reflect time, building deeper understanding.

3. Add Music and Movement

Songs and games activate memory and rhythm — both powerful for young learners.

Try:

• Hickory Dickory Dock to introduce clocks

• What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? for combining time and movement

• YouTube videos that show real analog clocks as the music plays

These methods make clock learning energetic and memorable.

4. Let Them Wear a Learning Watch

This is one of the most effective (and fun!) methods: give your child a watch made to teach time.

The Kiddus Time Teacher Watch is specifically designed for beginners:

• Clearly marked hour and minute hands

• Color-coded numbers for fast visual cues

• 12-hour and 24-hour formats for real-world versatility

• Kid-sized straps in fun designs (dinosaurs, unicorns, sports, glow-in-the-dark)

They’ll learn passively throughout the day — every time they glance at their wrist. This is time education disguised as fun.

5. Reinforce With Time Games and Matching Activities

You don’t need fancy apps. Use printed or DIY clock-face cards to play:

• “Match the time” (analog to written)

• “Schedule sort” — sort activities into morning, afternoon, and night

• “Time Bingo” or puzzles to pair visuals with numbers

If they enjoy the game, they’ll engage longer — and retention goes up.

6. Progress at Their Pace (and Style)

Some kids love visual clocks, others prefer numbers. You can adapt with different watch styles:

• For hands-on learners, stick with analog. Try a analog watch once they’ve mastered the basics.

• For confident readers, a digital watch for kids can help reinforce time awareness and independence.

You’re not locked into one method. Use what motivates your child most.

Final Thoughts

Teaching children to use a clock isn’t about cramming numbers — it’s about connecting time to life. Through routines, songs, games, and tools like the Kiddus Time Teacher, you can make time-telling fun, simple, and effective.

Explore more time-learning tools at kiddus.com — because when kids enjoy the process, learning sticks.