Make a toy clock
Learning to tell time takes time (and a certain number of math skills), but a toy clock can help introduce your preschooler to the concept of time sooner than later. Make one of the clocks above to get started.
Activity #1: Watching the march of time
Help your preschooler understand what's coming up in the day by showing what the hands will look like when it's bathtime, mealtime, bedtime, etc. Fifteen minutes before an event, set the toy clock ahead and encourage them to notice when the toy clock matches your real clock.
Activity #2: Moving the hands of time
Time is abstract, but moving a toy clock's hands is an easy way to make it more concrete. Let your preschooler play with the hands of these toy clocks. Starting with the current time, let them move the hands forward and talk about what's ahead. Set the clock back and talk about what you did earlier.
Activity #3: Be a time traveler
Make your toy clock part of pretend play. Encourage a change of story by setting the clock ahead or going back in time. Play with the ideas of rewind and fast forward.
