Description
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock…children will know what sound a clock makes but telling the time can be tricky to grasp. With this magnetic teaching clock learning how to tell the time is far easier for both children and their parents or teacher. The clock teaches both 12 and 24 hour format and comes with a range of activity pieces which children can place on the chart to help them associate certain times with activities in a typical day. It has rotating hands so it is interactive and lets children move the time and learn as they go. The pack comes complete with 46 magnetic numbers and descriptions so that children can write out the corresponding time. They can count minutes and learn descriptions such as o clock, quarter past, quarter to and half past. There is an activity board on the reverse to help children practice telling the time over and over using the dry wipe pen that is included in the pack. This magnetic Tell The Time pack is fun and engaging, encouraging children to learn whether at home or in the classroom.
What our testers said
“I go to bed at 7pm.” Boy aged 7
“This will be good to help me tell the time properly.” Girl aged 6
What our experts think
This is a great teaching aid for children who are learning (or struggling with) telling the time. It is presented in a fun and engaging way and the magnets and whiteboard make it an instant hit with children. Our testers showed a much greater understanding of time and it was a product which our parents said they used on numerous occasions. It promotes numeracy and practical skills alongside the school curriculum, as well as building self-confidence in children, especially if it is a concept that they struggle with.
We tested it with a range of ages including a ten year old who was finding it challenging to tell the time – she particularly liked the side were she could pick an activity and then decide on the associated time. This builds context for time-telling in a practical way, and makes it more accessible. As this is a teaching tool, the children needed adult interaction and assistance – they could play with it on their own, but this may detract from the point of it and so it works best with collaborative discussion and learning. We liked the fact it was double sided, however it was a shame that there was not more than one of each number or am/pm sign as this somewhat limited its use.
Skills developed
– Supports mathematical concepts taught in school
– Builds self-confidence
– Helps to consolidate the concept of time
