Tell time to the hour and half hour
Reading a clock helps your child understand the shape of their day, from when school starts to how long until bedtime. In 2nd grade they read time to the nearest five minutes and learn a.m. and p.m., and in 3rd grade they work out how much time has passed, like how long a practice from 3:00 to 3:45 lasts.
In this video, your child will learn to tell time to hours and half hours.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
What time is it?
Example 2
What time is it?
Your child's turn
What time is it?
The three key steps
- 1The short hand tells the hour it has passed.
- 2When the long hand points to twelve, it's o'clock.
- 3When the long hand points to six, it's half past.
Mistakes to listen for
- Mixing up the two hands, reading 6:00 as 12:30 by taking the long hand for the hour.
- Reading 4:30 as 5:30 because the short hand is close to the 5, not knowing it stays between the numbers until the next hour.
- Writing half past seven as 7:50 or 7:3, unsure how the half hour looks on a digital clock.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to telling time to the hour and half hour →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More 1st grade Measurement & Data, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice telling time to the hour and half hour, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to telling time to the hour and half hour has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice telling time to the hour and half hour
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on telling time to the hour and half hour and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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