Our little ones surprise us every day with their newfound skills and insight, so could time telling be your child’s undiscovered superpower?
Being able to tell the time on an analogue clock remains a fundamental skill that every child is encouraged to learn, but it is fast becoming a struggle for today’s pupils. Most UK children have no experience using an analogue clock before encountering one in school as we live in an increasingly digital world that relies heavily on devices to tell us the time. This means that many children are no longer developing the skills needed to read one and are missing out on the numerous benefits of mastering telling time from an early age.
From increased independence to improved social skills, time telling is a key skill that prepares children for primary school and beyond, so let’s explore the advantages of teaching your little one to tell the time before they start school.
1. Improve organisation
It’s easy for little ones to lose track of time, particularly if they cannot yet tell the time by themselves, but being disorganised can quickly cause them lots of stress and hassle.
For example, if they’ve promised to clean their toys away before a certain time, then they may become panicked when they realise they don’t have much time left to complete the task. Then, without the relevant time telling skills, they may be unable to break this task down further into manageable tasks e.g. ‘five minutes to put away the teddies’ or ‘two minutes to put my book back on the shelf’.
Once they have a good understanding of time management and are able to apply it to their own lives, you’ll find that they are keen to keep track of the time. You might even find that the responsibility for managing their time-sensitive activities is no longer yours, at least during playtime!
2. Reduce stress and worry
These early years organisational skills will also reduce the stress and anxiety that young children feel when trying to keep track of their own schedules. Even though it is a parent’s responsibility to manage their child’s daily schedule, and the teachers’ responsibility to manage their timetable at school or nursery, children like to be kept informed of their planned activities.
Being able to read a clock will mean that they no longer have to worry about being late or constantly ask you what time it is, as they will be able to read this information for themselves. This new skill will also help them to know how much time is left of a particular activity and will help them to feel in control of their day, as it won’t come as a surprise to them when they have to stop what they’re doing and move on to the next activity.
3. Boost confidence
If your little one struggles with their confidence, then learning how to tell the time is a great way to build up their confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Our simple time-teaching method shows children how to read a clock in 2 or 3 easy steps, and they can take as long as they need to learn this new skill. Once you have shown them how to use our method on a clock they will be able to practice their new skills as many times as they like without any fear of failure. This no-consequence approach to learning will continue to develop their skills and develop their self-confidence, particularly once they are able to demonstrate their abilities to others.
Make sure you remind them often how impressive it is that they have mastered this new skill all by themselves and ask family members to do so as well. Positive reinforcement and encouragement are vital for a child’s development, and it will encourage them to share their abilities with others in the future with confidence.
4. Foster social skills
Being able to tell the time by themselves allows young children to navigate social situations that require an awareness of time, whether this is at home, at school, or in the community.
Whilst it is largely on parents to arrange meet-ups between young children and to make sure that they arrive on time, little ones can also take some responsibility by getting themselves dressed and ready to go. Understanding time also encourages them to respect others’ time and helps them to understand that it is bad manners to be late or to get the time wrong when visiting their friends.
Whether they’re meeting a friend by the school gates at a certain time or letting another child know that it is nearly time to return to the classroom after lunch, being punctual will encourage other children to see your little one as a reliable, considerate friend. Knowing the structure of their daily activities will also reduce their own anxiety in social settings and will allow them to focus entirely upon making friends and developing their social skills, rather than worrying about how much longer is left of a particular activity.
5. Introduce mathematical concepts
Finally, having even basic time telling skills will help your little one once they start school, as this provides a solid foundation for their learning that they can now build upon in class.
Time is a gateway into the world of mathematics and being able to read a clock is a great introduction to the mathematical concepts that your little one will need to grasp as part of their primary school journey. Every EasyRead clock clearly details the 60 minutes of each hour and the 12 hours of the daily cycle, so teaching them how to tell the time at a young age gives them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with large numbers before they encounter them in school. These can also easily be transferred into basic mathematical ones such as addition and subtraction, as they can use the clock to add and subtract e.g. ‘25 minus 20 is 5’.
Starting school with a basic understanding of numbers (or an advanced understanding of their times tables, depending upon how quickly they learn!), will help your child feel confident in the classroom from the get-go. They will be able to answer questions that other children may not know the answers to yet, participate in group learning activities, or simply feel less overwhelmed thanks to their educational head start.
Supporting parents and children in telling time
Ready to start your child on their time telling journey?
Our EasyRead methods were designed to make it as easy as possible for young children to learn how to tell the time and can be used on any product from our range. So, familiarise yourself with our time telling methods today and click here to find all the resources you need to support their learning.
Did you know that, alongside our standard and camo watches, we also offer a waterproof watch range?
Children are always finding themselves in situations where they need to tell the time, and our waterproof options mean they can do this no matter where they are – whether it’s a family day out, a rainy adventure, or even a swimming lesson!
Even if your child isn’t often to be found at the swimming baths, our waterproof watches are ideal for young learners who are always on the go. Their waterproof properties mean that they can enjoy their usual activities without worry, so let’s find out if this is the best watch for your little one.
An EasyRead waterproof watch
We all know that practice makes perfect, and being able to tell the time on the go will lead to increased independence and confidence as they grow. All of our EasyRead watches are designed to help young learners practice their skills wherever they go, and we are particularly proud of our popular EasyRead waterproof watches.
The cases are stainless steel, and the glass is scratch-resistant, so there’s no chance of even a drop of water making its way into the mechanism. The washable nylon straps are also water-resistant, and our watches are suitable for all water-based activities; although it is worth bearing in mind that we don’t recommend wearing them in a hot bath!
So, how do you know that one of our waterproof designs is the best watch for your little one?
1. They love to splash in puddles
It can be hard to reign in your little one’s enthusiasm for muddy puddles and playing out in the rain, particularly during the wet British winters, and waterproof watches are a game-changer.
They are splash-resistant and ideal for active outdoor play in all weather conditions, so your little ones can spend as much time as they like playing outdoors without needing to keep their watch covered. Even if they don’t usually play outdoors, a regular watch could easily be splashed in the playground or on the walk home from school, so don’t risk any damage to your child’s new watch by opting for a waterproof design.
2. They have a swimming club
Young children often use their watches to keep track of their daily activities and work out how long they have been doing a particular activity (or how long is left of a lesson until lunch!). So, if your time-conscious little one has grown used to having their own watch, they may find it difficult to enjoy a swimming lesson or dip in the pool without knowing the time.
Our EasyRead watches solve this problem, as they are waterproof up to 50m and can be worn for all water-based activities. This helps children keep track of their time without any water-damage and also makes it easier for you to get them out of the water without too much fuss once their time is up!
3. They spend plenty of time outdoors
If you’re lucky enough to have children that love to spend time outside and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, then don’t let a fragile watch get in the way of their adventures!
Whether they attend a woodland adventure club, nature classes, or an after school club that spends lots of time outdoors during the summer, we highly recommend gifting them a waterproof watch that suits their requirements. Thorns, brambles and twigs are also no match for our watches’ scratch-resistant glass, and our washable nylon strap can get as wet and muddy as needed, so even if they come home with dirty clothes and scratched fingers we guarantee they will have been able to count every second of their activities!
4. You’ve planned a poolside holiday
Summer is almost here, which means 6 fun-filled weeks packed with adventures!
If you’ve got big plans for days spent lounging by the hotel pool, or you’ve shelled out for an AirBnB with a private tub, then pack a waterproof watch into your little one’s suitcase for them to find on arrival. All that’s left to do then is to give them a time limit for their pool time each day and to enjoy your relaxing time by the pool as a family.
Our watches can also help to avoid the dreaded complaints of being bored and asking to leave the pool after just a few minutes. We often update our blog with fun games to play with our watches, and our waterproof watches can also be used for a range of fun, pool-based activities, so why not try:
- Timed races
- Games of tag
- Diving for underwater pool floats with a timer
- Timed matches of pool volleyball
- An underwater obstacle course
5. They need a more durable watch
Just because our watches are waterproof doesn’t mean you have to use them in water to make the most of them!
Wearing a watch helps children to become more independent, but we all know that little ones can easily break small accessories whilst playing, or forget that they are wearing an important tool that needs to be taken care of. They may even stop participating in the activities that they love over worries around breaking their new watch, and for many of our customers, our waterproof watches represent the peace of mind that comes from giving a growing child a resilient tool that won’t break or let them down.
So, if you are looking for a watch for your little one, but worried that it will quickly be damaged or broken, our waterproof options are the perfect solution for you.
Our waterproof range
This simple accessory will make all the difference for your little ones learning both inside and outside the classroom, so check out our full selection of waterproof options today and help them keep track of the time wherever they go.
Has your little one finally learnt how to read the time on their time teacher watch? Now comes the really tricky part of getting them to look after their very own EasyRead watch!
Our time teacher watches are suitable for children ages 4+, which also means they’re suitable for all of their daily activities. With a stainless steel back, non-allergenic plating, and a washable nylon strap, our EasyRead watches are ready for anything your little ones have planned, but there are some steps that you can take to keep them in their best condition and make sure they last as long as needed.
Choose our waterproof watches
Our EasyRead watches are water resistant and can withstand splashing, but not total immersion (unless you opt for our waterproof watches). This means that your little ones don’t need to take them off when washing their hands or walking to school in the rain, but continued exposure to water will damage even the most robust EasyRead system, so make sure that they always take it off before showering or bathing.
We all like to think that we can trust our little ones to be responsible for their watches, but if your child is active and outdoorsy and you’re worried that they’ll use their watch around water, why not treat them to one of our waterproof versions? These watches are waterproof up to 50m and their stainless steel case and scratch-resistant glass means they can be used anywhere, anytime, without becoming too damaged, and also means that it doesn’t matter if your little one forgets to take it off before entering water.
Check the strap
Our watch straps come in a wide range of colours and designs to suit all different tastes, so you can easily customise your little ones’ watch if their favourite colour changes over time, or if the original strap becomes worn.
Our breathable nylon straps with stainless steel buckles are tough and washable, but they can become worn down through continued rough play or water damage. So, keep ahead of this by checking the strap every week or so, particularly after outdoor activities, or stock up on one or two extra straps to keep at home in case the strap breaks.
Take it off when necessary
Our watches are built to last, but like all accessories, it is a good idea to ask your child to take off their time teacher watch before doing any rough or physical activities.
This includes playing sports like rugby or football in school or helping with manual chores around the house and garden. Of course, this is within reason – we can’t expect them to remember this every time they want to swing on the monkey bars or play tag – but they should take it off before engaging in any activities that are likely to damage the plating or scratch the watch face.
A great way to get your little one to understand this is to compare their watch to a pair of glasses; either their own pair or one that belongs to a family member. Explain that if an activity would require them to take off their glasses, then they should also take off their watch to keep it safe.
Store it safely
Our watches can be used any time of the day or night, but when they’re not in use it’s a good idea to store them in a way that prevents them from accidentally becoming damaged.
As a starting point, watches should never be stored face-down as this is almost guaranteed to result in a scratched surface, so encourage your little one to get into the habit of storing their watch with the face facing upwards. If you’re worried that they’ll probably forget to do this, or you’re trying to encourage them to take good care of their belongings, then invest in a protective case to keep the watch safe when not in use. This can then be stored by their bedside or packed into their school bag to make sure that their time teacher watch is protected whilst they’re out and about and always on hand when they need it.
Remember it’s a tool
A time teacher watch is a fun but educational resource, and it is often the first such tool that a young child will use. So, whilst it is fun to play with throughout the day, make sure you remind your little one that it is much more of an educational tool than a toy and they need to use it properly.
Encourage them to be careful with it, just as they would be careful with school property, and remind them that they shouldn’t let other children try on their watch if they can’t trust them to be careful with it. Having their very own watch also signals to young learners that they are growing up and are trusted to keep their belongings safe, so remind them that if they can look after their watch then everyone will know that they are growing up to be reliable and responsible, and praise them for taking good care of their watch.
Our EasyRead time teacher watches
Do our durable, reliable EasyRead watches sound like a good investment in your little ones’ learning? Check out our full range here, and don’t forget to practice our EasyRead method with them – available for all our Past/To Watches and our 12/24 Hour Watches.
If you’re trying to cut down on clutter this Christmas and give a few special gifts that will last, an EasyRead children’s watch should be at the top of your shopping list. This educational, stylish and long-lasting gift ticks all your boxes so don’t let it get overlooked as just another stocking filler!
Take a look at what makes our watches the best choice for your little one and think outside the box this year with our Christmas gifting guide.
A children’s watch for Christmas
Unlike expensive toys that might get played with a few times and then left to collect dust in the toy cabinet, our children’s watches are designed to keep children engaged and to support their learning across the new year.
Every element on our watches has been designed to appeal to young children, from the clear educational layout to the customisable colour of the clock face. Each watch also comes with the option to choose the 12/24 Hour or Past & To method and our specially designed watches include all the information a young child needs to practice telling the time on their own.
We recommend our watches for all children aged 4+, so all that’s left to do is choose a strap in their favourite colour and wrap it up. Rather than bundling it in with several other gifts or hiding it away as a stocking filler, let’s take a look at how you can make a new kids watch the most exciting gift they receive this year!
1. Switch up the packaging
Keep your little one guessing by changing the packaging of their new children’s watch. This can be as simple as putting the watch in a completely different box, or you can get creative and change the shape of the package with lots of different decorations.
One of our favourites is creating a cracker out of a cardboard tube and it’s much easier to do than you might think! Simply pop the package inside a tube or rectangular box and wrap it up in a large sheet of Christmas wrapping paper. Then all you need to do is tie the ends with ribbon and store this fun, unique gift underneath the tree until the special day arrives.
2. Layers of excitement
We all love gifts that offer more than meets the eye, so give your recipient an exciting surprise by including the watch with another gift. There are lots of ways to do this so don’t be afraid to get creative, but if you’re looking for a tried-and-tested idea we’ve found that adding the watch to the arm of a cuddly toy always gets a great reaction.
All you have to do is take the watch out of its packaging, add it to the toy and watch their reaction as they realise it’s a two in one gift. It’s always a nice touch to add a bow to the cuddly toy so why not tie a ribbon around its neck or add it to the other wrist – or, if you’re looking to go all-out, you could wrap the entire toy up and add the ribbon on top.
3. Add a strap
Our watches come with one strap in the colour of your choice, but we also stock a range of additional straps for you to choose from. So, if your little one has more than one favourite colour, why not gift them a few extra straps to mix and match in the new year?
Our range contains all the colours you could want, from black and blue to pink and yellow, and even includes Blue Camo, Green Camo, and Pink Camo options for something a little different! They offer the perfect opportunity to personalise this new accessory every day, so now all that’s left to do is arrange the straps in a circle around the watch and package them up in a large box ready for Christmas morning.
4. Tick, tick, tick!
Our EasyRead watches come with the batteries already installed, which offers lots of opportunities to have fun with the ticking sounds when wrapping your gifts!
Why not add a playful twist to the fun of unwrapping a toy by hiding the watch inside it and asking them ‘what’s that sound?’. This can be as obvious or as tricky as you like, and you could even hide the watch inside a pre-built Lego set or a zip-up cuddly toy to make it a real challenge.
So, have a play around with potential hiding places and watch their curiosity and excitement grow as they investigate the sound.
5. Create a treasure box
Our watches are the perfect gift to combine with a few other surprises from our range and create an educational Christmas bundle. With quick delivery across our range you can choose all the extra bits you need for a complete gift set, including our:
Or any other gifts that take your fancy. Once you have everything you need, all that is left to do is put them in a large box and cover it in wrapping paper for a big present that makes them wonder what’s inside!
Gifting an EasyRead children’s watch this Christmas
With a wide range of colours, designs, and clock faces, our watches are as customisable as you need them to be, so browse our collection today to give an educational gift that will last.
Is your little one about to start primary school in September? Whilst you help them choose their first pair of smart shoes, lunchbox and pencil case, there is one more thing that should be on your shopping list this summer – a watch. Watches for 4 year olds are the perfect introduction to the time telling skills that they will need in school, so let’s explore how these watches will support your little one and make all the difference for their learning.
Learning to tell the time
Learning to tell time is so important for young children who are starting primary school. Whilst this will be one of the topics that they learn during their first year in school, if they already have a basic understanding of how to read a clock and understand the passage of time, then this will help your little one to understand and adjust to their new schedule. For many children, school is the first time that they will be given a strict timetable so if you are keen to prepare your child for this new routine and give them the time-telling tools that they need, then let’s take a look at how watches for 4 year olds will help them this school year.
1. Managing their school day
A reliable watch provides children with a constant way to keep track of their schedule. By glancing at their watch, they will be able to tell for themselves what time it is and when it’s time for key activities such as break time, lunchtime, or hometime. For children who are particularly anxious about school or struggle when they do not know how long is left of a certain activity, this is an invaluable way to stay informed without having to constantly ask the teacher or rely on their reminders.
2. Developing life skills
School is about more than just passing exams and homework – it teaches our children essential skills that will benefit them throughout their entire lives. One of these life skills is punctuality and time management, and wearing a watch helps children to see the importance of being on time for classes, special activities, and registration. This in turn reinforces the concept of routine and the importance of time in daily activities and helps them to develop an organised and punctual approach to completing tasks and following schedules.
3. Encouraging confidence and responsibility
School can be a daunting new experience for even the most confident children, which is why giving them a watch can help them to feel in control of their routine. Knowing that they can track their day without relying on others helps them to develop confidence in their own abilities and teaches them the importance of being able to rely on yourself, and a watch also encourages them to take responsibility for their belongings, as it is up to them to remember to wear their watch for school and put it back on after P.E or other activities.
Our best watches for 4 year olds
Whilst most children’s watches are designed to be used only as accessories rather than useful tools, and often choose vibrant designs over an easy to read clock face, our watches are designed to support young children to independently tell the time.
Our EasyRead watches are designed with style, function, and accessibility in mind to make it as easy as possible for a developing mind to read the time and develop their skills. Many watch faces are often too small to contain all the information that a young child needs to practise their new skills, which means that children are often left to guess the time or ask for help. This is why we have designed our watches with all the information that a child needs to read the time, and by stripping away any unnecessary extras, our watches make it easy for a young child to identify the minutes, hours, and seconds on the clock face without becoming confused or having to guess the time based on the placement of the hands.
Each and every one of our watches contains not only the 60 minutes within an hour, but also the hours of each 12 hour cycle, meaning that all your child needs to do is memorise our 3-step method and they will be able to tell the exact time at any minute of the day. So, whether you opt for the 12/24-hour method or the Past & To method, an EasyRead watch is the best choice for any young child, so check out our options today.
EasyRead watches for 4 year olds
Whether you have already introduced your child to the concept of time or are keen to give them a head start before their first year of school, head over to our Watches page and begin building the best watch for your little one. Simply choose the preferred method, design face, and colour strap, and you’re all set for September with our installed batteries and 1 year warranty.
Are you searching for the perfect children’s first watch this autumn? Learning how to tell the time is an important milestone for children of any age, and having a first watch makes this process easier and more accessible. When buying a children’s first watch, there are several key factors to consider, including durability, educational design, and special features such as swappable straps or water-resistant properties. Investing in a reliable, educational kids first watch involves considering much more than just the time-telling design, so read on as we explore the top 5 things to consider when choosing a children’s first watch.
Preferred Method
When it comes to teaching children how to read time, the method used on the watch face plays a crucial role. Many primary schools teach children how to tell the time on a standard wall clock that uses the Past/ To method, as this is particularly helpful for younger children who are just starting to grasp the concept of time. However, if your child’s school uses the 24-hour method, or you prefer to use that method yourself, then our EasyRead watch range includes the option to choose your preferred method for your children’s first watch.
It is always the best choice to opt for a watch that uses the method that you and your child are most familiar with and comfortable using. No matter what method you choose, our watches are specifically designed to make learning to tell time easy and fun for kids, with each minute of the hour, and each hour of the day, being clearly marked to support your child’s learning needs.
Educational Design
Children’s watches should not only serve the purpose of telling time, but also offer educational value, and so functionality and educational ability should be the main consideration when choosing a children’s first watch. Look for watches that incorporate educational elements into their design, such as additional numbers, concise differentiation between the minute and hour hand, or unique designs that clearly demonstrate the progress of time.
All of our EasyRead watches feature clear numbers and bold graphics, making it easy for children to recognise and understand the concept of time as the hands move across their individual rings. These separate rings, along with our bright colours and easy-to-read design, makes practising telling the time a more engaging and enriching experience for your child, and supports them to learn and develop as they practise.
Clear and Engaging
Children are naturally drawn to vibrant colours and eye-catching designs, and this visual stimulation can support their development and boost their learning. By opting for a children’s first watch with a clear, visually appealing design that captures their attention, you can encourage your child to engage with their new watch and begin to develop an interest in telling the time. This visual interest will also encourage them to pay attention to how the hands move around the watch, allowing them to monitor the passage of time on their own and develop their understanding of how the watch displays this natural process. Similarly, by opting for an EasyRead design with bright, playful colours, and clear colour-association between key elements of the watch, you can gift your child with a watch that is more exciting and visually interesting than other options and encourage them to wear it regularly.
Durability and Water Resistance
If your little one regularly attends after-school activities, or spends a lot of time enjoying the outdoors, then they will likely need a watch that can withstand their daily adventures. All of our watches are built to be durable, and to accommodate the active lifestyles of young children, with a 1-year guarantee across our range.
Additionally, if your child enjoys swimming classes, or loves playing in the rain, then our water proof, scratch-resistant watches are the perfect choice. Built to withstand more than just accidental splashes or brief submersion, our water-resistant watches have a water resistance rating of up to 30 metres so that your little one’s watch will continue to function even in unexpectedly wet conditions.
Comfort and Adjustable Straps
Comfort is an essential factor to consider when selecting a children’s first watch, as they will likely only routinely wear a watch that is comfortable and easy to put on. All of our watches come with adjustable straps, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your child’s wrist and easily resize it as they grow.
The soft and breathable nylon used in our spare straps ensures maximum comfort, even during extended wear, and the durability of our materials and stainless steel buckle means your child is well-equipped to practise telling the time wherever they go. Our range includes a range of colours, designs, and patterns to suit your child’s developing tastes and style preferences, and to encourage them to wear their new favourite accessory regularly to develop their confidence and practise their new time management skills.
Children’s First Watch with EasyRead Time Teacher
Finding the perfect children’s first watch for your child that ticks all of their boxes and meets their individual needs is easy with EasyRead Time Teacher. Our range prioritises educational designs and special features to create watches that empower your child to confidently tell the time and develop their skills, so whether you are searching for a watch that aligns with your child’s school curriculum or suits their active lifestyle, explore our range today and find the perfect children’s watches for your little one.
Are you or your little ones having trouble with how to tell the time on a clock with hands? With screens and digital devices dominating our daily lives, it’s no surprise that analogue clocks can be confusing in the digital age. It’s not uncommon for children to feel confused and frustrated by analogue clocks, and for learning how to tell the time to become a daunting task. That’s why, at EasyRead Time Teacher, we offer a range of clocks, watches, and fun games designed to make learning to read analogue clocks much easier for children and adults alike.
Analogue time-telling challenges
In today’s digital age, children and adults are surrounded by screens and digital devices that display time in a digital format. The unfamiliarity with analogue clocks can lead to confusion and frustration, making it difficult for children to grasp the concept of time once they begin to learn how to tell the time in nursery or primary school. Any confusion or challenges children face can be made worse if their parents experience confusion when using an analogue clock. As many adults rely solely on their phones to tell the time, and don’t often use analogue clocks, it can be confusing for them to return to analogue clocks to support their children’s learning. As a result, the concept of reading time on a traditional clock with hands can be a challenge, but it remains an essential life skill.
The most common, and potentially the most confusing, challenge that children face when learning how to tell time is the use of numbers and divisions on the clock face. Unlike digital clocks that display the time in a clear, straightforward manner, analogue clocks require children to tell the time themselves. Digital clocks show only the time, and don’t contain any additional numbers that can cause confusion, whereas analogue clocks require children to interpret the position of the hands in relation to the numbers on the clock face. This can be a cognitive hurdle for many children, as it requires spatial reasoning and the ability to mentally divide the clock face into segments.
Another complex challenge children face when reading the time is understanding the relationship between the hour and minute hands. The varying lengths of the hands and their distinct movements can be confusing, especially for young children. It can also be hard for them to identify which hand is which, as the majority of clock designs contain hands of the same colour which can cause the hands to appear as similar lengths to each other. Additionally, the minute hand’s continuous movement can be overwhelming, making it hard for children to determine the exact time, particularly if the hand moves gradually rather than jumping between the minutes.
The digital age has undoubtedly played a role in exacerbating these challenges. Children are constantly exposed to digital clocks on their electronic devices, which provide an instant and precise representation of time. However, this reduces an understanding of time to four simple numbers on a screen, rather than requiring a working understanding of the passage of time and how the key components of a clock work together to demonstrate the time. This stark contrast to analogue clocks can make it difficult for children to understand why analogue clocks are still relevant and necessary to learn.
Overcoming time-telling struggles with our clocks
We offer a range of innovative clocks specifically designed to help children and adults overcome their struggles with reading analogue time, and these are useful resources that can be used by the whole family. Our wall clocks and alarm clocks feature a unique design and a combination of design elements that simplify the process of telling time, making it more accessible and less daunting to learn how to tell the time.
Clear numbers
One of the key features of our clocks is the clear and distinct labelling of the hour and minute sections of the clock. There are two key sections of the clock, with an inner ring showing the hours, with the hour hand clearly embedded within this ring to clearly show the time. The second, larger ring runs around the edge of the clock, and breaks up each minute into clear sections. This separation between the different hands helps children and adults differentiate between the two and makes it easy to visualise and understand their respective functions.
Past and to design
Our EasyRead clocks also feature a unique “minutes past” and “minutes to” design at the centre of the clock face. Instead of relying solely on numbers, these clocks use the phrases “minutes past” and “minutes to” to indicate the time. This approach helps children understand the concept of time progression and the relationship between hours and minutes. Subtle markers for the quarter hours, as well as an “o’clock” reminder at the top of the face, complete this comprehensively scaffolded design.
By using phrases rather than numbers, children can develop a more intuitive understanding of time and its progression, making it easier for them to articulate the passage of time rather than simply reading numbers that they may not fully understand. As well as the “minutes past & to” method, our clocks are available with the “12/24” hour option as well, depending on the preferences of your child, yourself, or the whole household. These designs include all 60 minutes of each hour, and the 24 hours of the day rather than the initial 12 on our “past & to” designs.
Time teaching
Our clocks come with a step-by-step teaching method that gradually introduces children to different aspects of reading time. The clocks include a detailed instruction manual that guides parents and teachers on how to tell the time, helping parents to effectively teach children to read analogue time. The step-by-step approach ensures that users of our clocks can build their time-telling skills progressively, leading to improved confidence and accuracy.
Improving time-telling skills with our watches
In addition to our wall clocks and alarm clocks, we also offer watches designed to further enhance users’ time-telling skills by serving as an opportunity, and a constant reminder, to practise reading analogue time in real-life situations. Available with either the “minutes to & past” method or our 24-hour clock designs, our watches are designed to accommodate the method that your child, or yourself if you are keen to improve your analogue time-telling abilities, prefers.
Our watches, like our clocks, are designed with clarity and simplicity in mind, and our watches feature the same innovative design elements as our clocks, making it easier for children to transfer their time-telling skills. This consistency in learning and practising makes it easier to implement long-term recall and for users to practise their new skills wherever they are. By regularly using their watch to track the passing time, children can learn to manage their daily activities and develop their time management skills. This skill becomes especially valuable as they grow older and face more structured schedules and time-bound tasks.
Whatever your child’s style preferences or lifestyle requirements, our range of watches will have the perfect solution. As well as offering the time-telling method that best suits your requirements, our watches also come water-resistant as standard with the option for a fully waterproof watch for users who spend the majority of their time outdoors or engaging in physical activity. Choose the time-telling method of their choice and pair with a watch strap in their favourite colour, or our camo option, for a personalised, stylish daily accessory that encourages your child to actively read analogue time.
Making time-telling fun with our games and resources
Here at EasyRead Time Teacher, we believe that learning should be a fun and interactive experience. That’s why we offer specially-designed time teaching games and resources that go hand in hand with our clocks and watches, making time-telling an enjoyable activity for users of all ages.
As well as the EasyRead leaflet that comes with our clocks to introduce the time-telling methods we offer, our tell-the-time card games are one of our most useful and engaging resources. The card games allow children, and members of the whole family, to practise their time-telling skills at their own pace at home. The concept of the games is to reinforce understanding through repetition, and the game can be repeated as many times as needed thanks to the 60 playing cards showing 15 different times of day.
By creating an association with family time and an engaging game, our cards keep children motivated and interested in learning, as well as making telling the time an interesting challenge, rather than a tedious lesson. We take the outdated methods of teaching children how to tell the time and remodel them to suit the requirements of 21st century learning, as well as framing the concept of time in an accessible, easy-to-follow way. By bridging the gap between school, home, and free time, our resources ensure a comprehensive approach to telling time, and encourage users of all ages to develop their time-telling skills and gain a deeper understanding of time and its relevance in our daily lives.
Overcome how to tell the time struggles with EasyRead
Learning to tell the time on a clock with hands may seem like a challenging task in today’s digital age, but with the help of our clocks, watches and games, children and users of all ages can overcome these struggles with how to tell the time and develop a strong understanding of an analogue clock.
By simplifying the process and making it enjoyable and accessible, our resources empower our users to confidently read time and develop essential time management skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. So, explore our full range today and find the perfect EasyRead support system for your little ones’ learning.
Wondering when the right time for your child to start wearing a watch is? Children’s watches not only serve as a practical tool for timekeeping, but they can also foster a sense of responsibility and independence in our little ones. So if your little one is interested in learning to tell the time, or if they have already started learning in school or nursery, then read on to explore the benefits of children’s watches and discover when your child should start wearing one.
Children’s watches
The numerous benefits of children’s watches extends far beyond simply telling the time. One of the core advantages is that, by owning a watch, children are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility. They are responsible for taking care of their watch, and using it to keep track of time is an excellent way to introduce them to timekeeping and the importance of managing their time effectively. This can be particularly useful for children who are struggling to tell the time, as it demonstrates the concept of time in an accessible way, or for children who have busy schedules, as they can be prepared ahead of time for their after-school activities or hobbies.
Additionally, children’s watches can promote independence and offer a safe, controlled way for children to exercise autonomy. By giving them a watch, we can allow them to take charge of their own time and schedule during the weekends or after school, by allowing them to choose how much time they want to spend on a particular activity, which instils confidence and empowers them to make decisions regarding their daily routines and activities.
As using a watch requires a clear understanding of basic mathematical concepts and the passage of time, gifting a child their own watch will enhance their cognitive skills. Learning to read and interpret the time requires a certain level of mental processing, which can sharpen their analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By regularly using a watch, children can improve their numeracy skills and develop a better understanding of the concept of time.
When should your child start wearing a watch?
Generally, children aged 4 and above will have developed the skills necessary to use a watch and are ready to begin wearing one everyday. However, the recommended age can vary depending on your child’s individual development and maturity, and it is important to consider a few factors before selecting the perfect watch.
⦁ Firstly, assess your child’s interest in telling the time. If they have already started expressing curiosity about clocks and watches, this is a good indication that they are ready to have their own watch. Additionally, if they are learning to tell the time in school or nursery, providing them with a watch will help support their learning and allow them to put their knowledge into practice.
⦁ Secondly, consider your child’s level of responsibility. Are they able to take care of their belongings? And are they able to be careful with the watch and make sure that it is fastened on their wrist properly? For many children, a watch is their first major responsibility, as it is a tool rather than a toy, so make sure that you can trust them to take care of it.
⦁ Finally, if your child demonstrates a keenness to take responsibility in other areas of their life, then it is a good time to introduce them to a watch. Perhaps your child has an after school activity that they enjoy, or struggles to keep track of time during their free time? By giving them a watch, they can develop an understanding of the importance of punctuality, as they can tell when to start getting ready for activities, or when to move on to their next activity or task, both at home and in school.
Choosing the Perfect Watch
When choosing the perfect watch from our Easy-Read range, there are several features to consider to ensure that you select the most suitable watch for your child.
Method
At EasyRead Time Teacher, our children’s wrist watches are available with either the 12/24 Hour or Past & To method, depending upon your child’s preferred time-telling method. Ask your child which method they prefer, or which method they have been taught to use by yourself or in school, to ensure that they will be able to use the watch.
Design
At the age of 4, children are still learning to tell the time, so having a watch with clear hour and minute markers can make it easier for them to practise their new skills and understand the passage of time. Our EasyRead watches feature easy-to-read designs, with clear hour and minute markers and colour-coded hands to help children clearly distinguish between them. This visual aid makes it easier for children to understand the relationship between the hour and minute hands, as well as the corresponding numbers on the dial, which reduces confusion and frustration and allows children to confidently read the time.
Lifestyle
When choosing a children’s watch, be sure to consider your child’s’ lifestyle requirements, particularly if they are aged 4 or below. For example, if your child has an active lifestyle and engages in sports or outdoor activities, then they will need a durable, reliable watch. Similarly, even if your child does not regularly engage in sports, children are naturally active and it is likely that they will engage in activities on the playground or during the weekend that could expose the watch to potential damage or water splashes. Our watches come water-resistant as standard, and we offer a waterproof range, to ensure that your child is able to use their watch and enjoy their playtime without worrying about damage.
Style
Finally, bear in mind that the watch is also an accessory, and your child is much more likely to use a watch that they personally like. This is particularly relevant if your child has just started school, or is getting ready to start school, as having a uniform every day means that they will seek out ways to express their identity through accessories. Involve your child in the selection process by allowing them to choose a watch strap in their favourite colour, and to pick the face design that they most like, which will make them more excited about wearing the watch and encourage them to feel proud of their new, useful accessory.
Reinforce this excitement by explaining the educational importance of a watch and emphasising how it will help them to manage their time and become more responsible. Show them how to wear the watch properly and securely, ensuring that they understand how to fasten and adjust the strap, and frame their new watch as an exciting and positive tool.
EasyRead First Watches
So, if your little one is aged 4 or above and is showing interest in learning to read the time, there is no better time to get them their first watch. Our EasyRead watches are specifically designed to support young children in learning how to read and tell the time and our unique visual systems make our watches an invaluable tool and a fun accessory.
Explore our range of children’s wrist watches and find the perfect first watches for your children today.
The New Year is the perfect time to learn a new skill. For children, who can absorb new things like sponges, the learning never stops, and if your child is in primary school, then the chances are they are about to or have already started learning to tell the time. To help them master this skill will ease and confidence, now is a good time to consider buying them their first watch. A children’s first watch should be easy to understand, bold and colourful, to help encourage them to want to tell the time independently. Please read on to find out how our EasyRead first watches can support children in their learning.
Suitable for young learners
Our time teaching watches are suitable for children from 4 years of age, making them the perfect accessory for those starting primary school or moving from reception into Year 1. The clear face design and bold numbers are easy for young children to read and the different coloured styles and straps mean you can tailor the watch to suit your child’s preferences.
Simple time teaching method
Wherever you are in the world and however your child is learning to tell the time, we have a simple time teaching system to help them. Whether it is the ‘past and to’ method of telling the time they need or to express time in terms of 12 and 24 hours, our systems provide simple steps to help build confidence.
Learn more about our time teaching systems here:
No missing information
In the early days of developing our EasyRead time teaching products, we carried out thorough research into why children were falling behind in their learning. We discovered that 80% of the information they need to read the time easily was missing from most watches and clocks. Typically, most watches and clocks will show the numbers for the hours, but not the minutes. They might have line markers indicating where the minutes should be but this is not helpful for children when they are first learning to tell the time, particularly as the hands often fall between two lines.
Our first watches feature all the numbers children need to tell the time and designated areas for each minute, so they can easily read the numbers that the hands tell them, in the right order.
Choosing your child’s first watch
At EasyRead we offer lots of different options when it comes to finding the perfect first watch for your child. You can configure their watch by choosing:
- Standard or camouflage design
- Water resistant or waterproof styles
- Choice of face colours
- Choice of strap colours (with further choices of coloured straps sold separately)
- Time teaching method – either ‘past and to’ or ‘12 & 24 hour’ system
Click here to get started and help your child learn this valuable skill.
If you are looking for an educational stocking filler, or something that will have a practical value for a child this Christmas, then look no further than our time teaching watches for children. Designed with simplicity and confidence boosting in mind, these colourful, bold watches are ideal for children aged from 4 years old, who are starting to learn to tell the time at school. Should you be considering putting one under the tree for your child or grandchild this Christmas, here are just a few things to think about when buying children’s watches.
What colour they like
This is the all important factor and at EasyRead we appreciate how particular children can be when it comes to the colours they like, or dislike 😂. That’s why we’ve designed our childrens watches with a choice of faces and coloured straps.
Our children’s watches – clock face choices
You can choose from a rainbow or red and blue face for our standard style watches:
Or, choose from a black or white face for our camouflage style watches:
Our children’s watches – strap colour choices
Standard time teaching watches – come with a choice of lime, navy, pink, red, blue, grey and purple straps.
Camouflage watches – come with a choice of blue camo, green camo or pink camo straps.
Waterproof watches – come with a choice of navy blue or purple straps.
If you can’t find their favourite colour here, why not personalise with one of our coloured extra straps? Sold separately, these straps enable you to customise the watch to suit each child’s preferences. Our full list of extra strap colours are:
- Black
- Blue
- Blue camo
- Green
- Green camo
- Grey
- Lime
- Navy Blue
- Orange
- Pink
- Pink Camo
- Purple
- Red
- Yellow
What method they are using to tell the time
When it comes to choosing watches for children to support their learning, it’s important to know what method they are using to tell the time. Here in the UK, children are generally taught in minutes past and to the hour so our ‘Past & To’ method is the best choice to complement what they are learning in school. Our customers across Europe and worldwide, often prefer to buy watches that help to support children in learning 24 hour time, which is why we also offer our watches with a ‘12 & 24 hour’ time teaching method. Simply select the most appropriate one when you configure your watch.
What they are likely to be doing when wearing the watch
We know that children can be involved in many different activities, so you can’t always plan their outfit and accessories to be suitable. If, however, you know that they take part in water based activities or are likely to be found splashing in a puddle, then our waterproof watches are a good choice.
All of our watches are water resistant, but our waterproof varieties are waterproof to 50 metres and are therefore perfect for little swimmers to keep an eye on the time.
Top tips on gift wrapping watches for children this Christmas
Now that you know the colour, style and functionality you need from our children’s watches, it’s time to get creative with your gift wrapping. All our watches come in a colourful box with a clear pane so you can view the watch face. They’re simple in shape and design and small enough to wrap with those odd bits of wrapping paper you have left over after doing all the big presents, but if you prefer to think outside the box, here are a few creative Christmas wrapping ideas:
- If you are also buying a doll or teddy bear for your young recipient, why not take the watch out of the box and place it on their wrist for a double surprise!
- Use a cardboard tube or rectangular box and place the watch box inside. Cover in crepe paper or wrapping paper and seal the ends with ribbon to make a cracker shaped gift.
- Take a large plastic jar and fill it with pom poms, feathers or other soft craft supplies. Place the watch box in the middle and cover it with the craft items so you can’t see it from the outside. Finish the jar with a ribbon, bow and gift tag or wrap the entire thing for an extra few seconds of fun.
Click here to browse our full range of time teaching watches for children.
