Learn to Tell Time: Interactive Teaching Clock

How to use the teaching clock

This interactive clock works like a real geared clock: when you drag the long hand round, the short hand moves too, and passing the 12 moves the hour on. It is designed for children learning to tell time, for adults brushing up, and for teachers who want a clock to show on a whiteboard.

Three ways to practise

• Explore: drag either hand, or use the arrow keys (left and right for one minute, up and down for five). The time is shown in numbers and in words, such as "twenty-five to four".
• Read the clock: the clock shows a random time and you pick the right answer from four choices. The wrong answers are the usual mix-ups, such as swapping the hands or reading the hour too early.
• Set the clock: you are given a time and drag the hands to show it, then press Check.

Levels

Start with O'clock, then move to Half past, Quarters, 5 minutes and finally Any minute. Most children are ready for o'clock and half past at about 5 or 6, and five-minute times by 7 or 8. Turn on Show minute numbers to add 00, 05, 10 and so on inside the dial while counting in fives is still new.

Printable worksheets

Press Print a worksheet to make a page of 12 clocks at the current level, with space to write each time and an answer key at the bottom. Every worksheet is different, so you can print a fresh one each day.

For a step-by-step explanation, read how to read a clock, and for ages, games and teaching order see teaching kids to tell time.

Frequently asked questions