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.
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.
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…)
It’s important for parents to understand what their child is learning at school. It’s only natural that parents want to help their child be the best they can be. The early years at school are important to a child’s learning growth.
Preschool and Kindergarten
At preschool age, kids are required to be able to discuss units of time. For example seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and years. To be able to do this, kids need to have an understanding of how time works. Having one of our EasyRead wall clocks at home will begin to introduce kids to the concept of time, therefore making their first day at preschool that little bit easier. In Kindergarten, kids will begin to develop their understanding of units of time and will begin to add phrases such as morning, afternoon, next week, in fifteen minutes etc. to their vocabulary.
Grade 1
Kids at this stage should be able to tell and write the time in hours and half hours. They will also be able to describe events in terms of time. This means they will begin to use phrases such as “this morning I…”, “for the first 15 minutes I will be…” and “at 1:30pm I…”
Our EasyRead Time Teacher wall clocks and watches are great for introducing your kids to the concept of time at home so they are prepared for what they are going to be learning at school.
Click here to see the EasyRead wall clocks.
Click here to see the EasyRead watches.
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.
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.
Every child has to tell the time eventually, but how do you start to teach them? Our wristwatches will make the process of learning to tell the time easy and fun. With an EasyRead Time Teacher wristwatch a four year old can learn to tell the time in just 10 minutes.
They’re comfortable and colourful, with a large clear face that shows the child everything they need to know to tell the time. The wristband will fit even the tiniest wrist and it’s removable, so you can wash it when you need to. Our simple step by step teaching system means that anyone can help them learn.
In addition, we also offer clocks for the home. Our three step teaching system is easy to master, enabling the children to learn with very minimum input from the adults around them.
At the beginning of the year there is so much to think about; have I enough school supplies? Am I up to speed with the curriculum? When was that meeting again? It might sound too good to be true- but with Easy Read Time Teacher we have the perfect way to teach children how to tell the time. Our two systems are so beautifully simple and effective you will want to use them straight away.
These systems for learning to tell the time will give children confidence to tell the time without help. Reassure their skills with one of our classroom wall clocks in two different sizes and colours.
The three-step system for learning to tell the time in ‘minutes past’ and ‘minutes to’ the hour is quick and effective. Simply read the number at the end of the long hand, then read which side of the clock the long hand is on (either ‘minutes to’ or ‘minutes past’), followed by the number at the end of the short hand. The two-step system for reading the time in terms of 12 and 24 hour digital time is equally effortless. Read the number at the end of the short hand, and then the number at the end of the long hand. Explain that in the morning we read the big hour number. In the afternoon we can choose to read either the big or small hour number.
The key to any success is practice, practice, practice. Teach the children to teach themselves while at play with our large wall mounted EasyRead playground clock. The clock is a robust weatherproof construction with toughened glass lens for extra durability. The face design replicates the EasyRead Classroom Clock and takes the same 3-step time teaching method from the Classroom to the Playground.
Sit back and relax safe in the knowledge that teaching the time is not another lesson to squeeze into your schedule, but a class all set up and ready to go.
Telling the time is part of the National Curriculum in Key Stage 1 and also an important life skill. As a parent, it’s only natural that you would want to prepare your child for this big step in their lives. EasyRead Time Teacher is the simplest and most effective time teaching system for children. Give your little ones a Christmas present that is fun and exciting but also develops important life skills.
The Christmas combo includes our famous EasyRead wall clock and wrist watch. Children love taking ownership of their learning and our clock and watch combo allows them to do this. Our wall clock is so popular that last weekend it was the fastest selling wall clock on Amazon UK!
With no irritating ticking keeping your little ones awake, our EasyRead clock is the perfect addition to your child’s bedroom. With a large clear face, strong strap and great design; your little ones will be telling the time in no time! Start the process with the clock and then really cement their learning with a watch. They will own the time and be able to practice any time of the day.
Buy the clock here.
Buy the watch here.
“Now my 6 yr old son is learning time at school and he’s finding homework easy because of the help the watch and clock provided.” – Just one of our happy customers!
