enVision Mathematics Grade 1, Topic 13: Time
In this unit, first graders tell and write time to the hour and half hour on both analog clocks, the round ones with hands, and digital clocks. They learn what the hour hand and minute hand each show. It follows the last unit's measuring of length, since time is measured too, and comes before reasoning about shapes and their attributes next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 13?
- Reading and writing times like 3:00 and 3:30 on clocks with hands and on digital clocks, and knowing which hand shows the hour. Learn more: Telling time to the hour and half hour
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
What time does the clock show?
- 12:00
- 2:00
- 1:00
How you can help
- Name the time aloud at the hour and half hour during your day, like "It's 7:30, half past seven; time to read." Ask your child to point to each hand.
- Make your child the family clock-reader for a day, checking a clock with hands at bedtime or before a show. Ask which number the short hand has just passed.
- Compare a clock with hands to a digital one, like on a microwave or phone, and ask your child to read both at the same moment.
Where kids can get stuck
- Mixing up the hands, reading 6:00 as 12:30 by taking the long hand for the hour.
- Reading 4:30 as 5:30, not knowing the short hand stays between numbers until the next hour.
- Writing half past seven as 7:50 or 7:3, unsure how a half hour looks on a digital clock.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- hour hand
- The short hand on a clock; it shows the hour.
- minute hand
- The long hand on a clock; it shows the minutes.
- o'clock
- Exactly on the hour, when the minute hand points to 12.
- half past
- Thirty minutes after the hour, like 3:30.
- half hour
- Thirty minutes, half of one hour.
- analog clock
- A clock with a face and hands.
- digital clock
- A clock that shows the time with numbers only, like 7:30.
Want to help your child master telling time?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 1 Topic 13 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 1 Topic 13 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 1.MD.B.3: Tell and write time in hours and half-hours.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.