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.
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 beginning of a new year is the ideal time to take on new ventures and set targets for the year ahead. Aside from the traditional new year’s resolutions, like eating healthier foods and losing weight, you could look to teach your child how to tell the time in 2020, which is made very easy with our fabulous EasyRead time teaching products.
We’ve all been there. As a young child, learning how to tell the time is difficult to get your head around at first, but it doesn’t need to be. With the right guidance, learning this important life skill can be very straightforward and mastered within no time.
Additionally, employing the most effective time teaching system will make the learning process a lot easier for you and your child. With that in mind, if your new year’s resolution is to help your child to learn how to tell the time in 2020, you should use our award-winning time teaching products and here are the main reasons why.
Make Learning Fun
Amongst many other things, our EasyRead time teaching products, such as our EasyRead Wrist Watches and EasyRead Wall Clocks, do a great job of making a tedious task fun and enjoyable for children, which is crucial in keeping them engaged with learning.
With their bright colours and eye-catching designs, our time teaching watches help to bring time to life for children, making them more likely to absorb information than when learning from a clock or watch that has a dull design.
Simple, Yet Effective
At EasyRead Time Teacher, we are proud to say that we offer the simplest time teaching system for children. Our unique system, which has been endorsed by educational professionals around the world, allows children to learn how to tell the time quickly and efficiently.
Compliment Your Child’s School Life
Another thing which makes our products so effective is that they tie in with and complement what your child is learning at school. At EasyRead Time Teacher, we sell a range of products that are designed to help teachers, so we have a good understanding of what type of system children require when learning the time.
It takes the average child 2 to 3 years of school lessons to master the time. Our EasyRead products, which can be easily used at home and on the move, help to drastically speed up this process, without causing any unwanted confusion with your child’s school studies.
Assisting your child with the learning of valuable life skills is something that will give you both a great sense of achievement, and a memory that you will cherish forever. So, why not help your child to learn how to tell the time with our EasyRead time teaching system in 2020?
For more information on our range of products, browse our collection or get in touch with our team.
This Autumn we are pleased to launch seven new bright coloured straps as accessories to our existing range of watches. Just pick your favourite from royal blue, green, lime, orange, pink, red and yellow. All will brighten up the darkest of winter days! (more…)
EasyRead Time Teacher watches are a fantastic present to give to the important child in your life.
Our clocks and watches are a brilliant and educational gift for the little ones in your family. Children all over the world have loved taking ownership of their learning – it’s great to see children teaching themselves and having fun doing it. Every child has to learn how to tell the time as part of their Key Stage 1 Maths syllabus, so why not give them a helping hand with one of our wristwatches?
They’re comfortable and colourful, with a large clear face that shows children everything they need to know to tell the time. The wristband will fit even the tiniest wrist and it’s removable so it can be washed.
Click here to see our EasyRead watches.
With an EasyRead watch, a five year old can learn to tell the time in just 10 minutes. Click here to see what our customers say.
Don’t worry, our 3-step process is very easy to master and our free resources are just a click away. We have all the support you need.
In addition, we also offer clocks for the home. Our 3-step teaching system is easy to master, enabling the children to learn with very minimal input from the adults around them. Click here to view our EasyRead clocks.
“Excuse me, do you have the time?” – A common question asked. What if you couldn’t answer that question? Well according to a poll by an on-line watch retailer earlier last year, one in seven people admit they can’t tell time on a non-digital watch.
More shockingly perhaps is the fact that in a different poll by www.TwistedTime.com, 37 per cent of parents with children aged 10 or under said they had not or did not plan to teach their children to read the time on non-digital watches. But why is this? Perhaps because people rely on getting the time from their phones and iPods rather than from watches and clocks.
Is it even necessary for 21st century children to learn how to tell the time on an analogue clock in today’s digital age? Well, yes! There are countless reasons:
- Analogue clocks can provide a vivid representation of time that digital clocks cannot. With many different learner types out there – including visual learners/thinkers – most need the analogue clock to have a good understanding of time. Children with autism spectrum disorders are an example.
- Telling the time is a useful skill and analogue clocks are still in use. It also provides a useful framework for understanding of modules and alternative numerical base systems.
- Are we going to replace the beautiful clocks on our churches and railway stations even the with digital? Surely not!
- “I’ll meet you at the train station at quarter past five” – this could be a problem if you can only use a digital clock!
- iPhones and iPods have an analogue clock option which is very popular amongst Apple users. Other companies such as Audi and Lexus also use the analogue clock rather than digital in some of their cars. Analogue still exists around us – and will continue to do so.
We are a family business dedicated to helping children and adults learn to tell the time on analogue clocks. Our clocks and watches are designed to help children learn to tell the time in terms of ‘minutes past’ and ‘minutes to’ the hour. Take a look at our 2 and 3 step teaching method.
Here at EasyRead Time Teacher, we love hearing feedback from our customers. We have always believed that our customers are our best advert. Take a look at what they are saying about EasyRead:
“The watch I ordered allowed my 9 year old dyslexic daughter to read the time like her classmates for the very first time! It has made such a significant difference to her life.”
“I would highly recommend this clock if your child has difficulty understanding how to tell the time – I wish I’d had something like this when I was a child!”
“My daughter has an EasyRead watch, we bought the matching clock and they really help with her understanding.”
“My five year old daughter learned to tell the time in five minutes!”
“Fantastic watch! My Granddaughter can’t wait to go to school wearing hers!”
“Excellent, daughter is very happy! She learnt time within two days. The watch is very sturdy, highly recommended.”
“Best watch I’ve ever purchased for my daughter.”
“What a brilliant watch!! So easy to read and builds children’s confidence. I would recommend this watch to everyone!”
“Great products and excellent quality for the money!”
Would you like to see what all the fuss is about? Click here to view all our EasyRead products.
TwinTime offers a whole different method of teaching children how to tell the time. Here at EasyRead, we understand how difficult teaching the time can be – especially in a classroom full of excitable children. Our products are proven and trusted by hundreds of schools and thousands of teachers.
We recommend pairing the TwinTime Teacher Edition with the TwinTime Student Edition however this isn’t essential, our system works just as effectively if you purchase one or the other.
The TwinTime Teacher Edition was designed so teachers can stand at the front of a classroom to demonstrate setting the time with the moveable hands. It is wipe on wipe off so you can also write the time underneath the clock.
The TwinTime Student Edition is smaller than the Teacher Edition – perfect for children. They are perfect for children to work in groups or individually for setting the time on the clock face and then writing the time underneath.
As well as telling the time, TwinTime is also useful for counting forwards and backwards from 30, for learning fractions and counting in 5s and 10s.
Our 2 and 3 step teaching systems will work perfectly with TwinTime in teaching children how to tell the time. Take a look at them here.
So you’ve bought your EasyRead Time Teacher clock…now what?
Practice makes perfect! Our clocks are designed to be taken off the wall and interacted with. Children will love the ‘hands on’ learning and then, seeing it every day up on the wall, they can practice and cement their learning.
We have even put the teaching methods on the back of the clock to make life as easy as possible! The simple design is brilliant for young children trying to get to grips with telling the time.
Take a look at our classroom clocks here.
Download our free resources here.
If you need any help or have any questions, please email us on [email protected] or call on 07865 470905.
EasyRead Time Teacher believe in practice makes perfect. When children master something as difficult as telling the time, they need to cement that skill with practice. We have the solution.
Having an EasyRead classroom clock on your wall encourages children to practice on their own, in their own time. Children love to take ownership of their learning and will be running to the clock to practice their new skills!
As well as our brilliant products, we also offer numerous free learning resources such as clock colouring sheets, our two step and three step systems and our video library.
