Tell time to the minute

Reading a clock to the exact minute gives your child a little more say over their own day, from knowing when a show starts to when it is time to leave. It also stretches number sense past counting in tens, since there are 60 minutes around the clock face. In 4th grade, it leads to changing hours into minutes. And clocks with hands are still on classroom walls, in train stations, and on watches.

In this video, your child will learn to tell and write time to the minute.

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

  1. 1Short hand: the hour it passed
  2. 2Long hand: count by 5s
  3. 3Then the little marks by 1s

Mistakes to listen for

  • Reading the minute hand as the number it points to, saying 3:04 instead of counting by fives to 3:20.
  • Misreading the hour hand when it is close to the next number, so 2:55 becomes 3:55.
  • Losing count of the small marks between numbers, so a minute hand two marks past the 7 is read as 3:36 instead of 3:37.

The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to telling time to the minute →

Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?

Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.

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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 minute, 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 minute 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 minute

Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on telling time to the minute and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.

Join the club