Young children become aware of time, although they may not fully understand it, as adults frequently talk about it:
- "It's time for lunch."
- "It's too late, you need to go to bed."
- "I'll be there in a minute."
- "I'm giving you a five-minute warning."
EYLF learning outcomes
Children can learn about time as part of the Early Years Learning Framework as it teaches numeracy (5), problem solving, inquiry, hypothesising, researching and investigating (4.2). Clocks and watches connect children with technologies (4.4), including information and communication technologies (5.5).
Learning experiences
Tinker with clocks, watches and timers
Ask for donations of old clocks, wrist watches, alarm clocks, kitchen timers, sand timers and any other timekeeping device - they don't even need to work! Place them on a table for children to pull apart, wind up, and tinker with. They will learn about time, technology and engineering!
Make a sand timer
A simple sand timer can be made by placing very dry sand in an empty soft drink bottle. Keep the lid off and tape the opening to the opening of another empty soft drink bottle (you may need strong tape to keep the bottles firmly together). Tip the bottles up so the sand falls slowly from one bottle to the other.
Use your sand timer for everyday routines (e.g. how long each person has a turn, how long until pack away).
Countdown the days
Use a calendar to count the number of days to a special event. At the end of each day, ask one child to draw a cross through that day on the calendar. Then everyone can count the number of remaining days.
Watch a ticking clock
Toddlers and preschoolers can be amazed when they see how a clock works. Encourage them to sit and watch the hands slowly move or the numbers tick over.
Make your own globe
Globes are wonderful additions to early learning classrooms. But if you don't have one, your children can easily make one from a blown-up balloon. Look at pictures of the Earth on the internet and draw the continents onto the balloon.
Hang or hold the balloon and point a torch or lamp towards one side of it, simulating day and night. When it is daytime in Australia, where is it night?
Discuss the differences between day and night. What happens in our world when it is light and dark? How does the world feel during these times?
Resources
Websites
Curious Kids: Can people travel in time?