This arts and craft activity helps children have fun as they learn about using clocks to tell time. Guide kindergartners through the process of constructing a paper clock, using paper, markers and cardboard. Have children draw a circle and cut it out, then use a real clock as a guide to draw numbers on the cardboard clock before affixing a second and hour hand. For additional practice, children can manipulate the clock hands to known times such as dismissal, play time and recess.
The paper chain clock activity helps kindergartners understand the passage of time with a visual and physical element. In addition, it connects time to an event that children care about, placing emphasis on the importance of time. Starting with a calendar, children count the days ahead to an important day, such as a birthday. Then they use strips of construction paper (one for each day) and create a chain of interlocking links. The child's paper chain clock can be placed prominently so she can count down days to the special day.
Time lines are familiar tools for displaying historical events graphically. The project of creating one is ideal for kindergartners because it involves arts and craft activities such as drawing, cutting and pasting. Instead of focusing on grand historical events, a me time line is a series of events that tell the story of a child's life. Encourage children to share details about themselves and identify those that fit into a chronological story. Armed with a few personal details, they can create a time line that helps them understand the sequence of events.
The match time game teaches children how to tell time with an analog clock. Materials needed are drawings of analog and digital clocks that reflect the same times (two clocks read 2:00, four read 5:30, six say 2:35, for example). Children can play individually or in groups. Jumble the pictures of analog and digital clocks on a table and have pupils match the times.