[MPage]

My students are really having a difficult time with this. How do you teach elapsed time??

thanks so much

[iPeach]

I have overhead clocks and I place two or three on the overhead at one time. It helps them visually. We count the minutes together. Other than practice and more practice, I don't have anything useful. It's universally a hard concept; so take comfort in that thought!

[Teaching2nd]

My little guys always get confused with this one too! I went to a math workshop and the presenter suggested teaching it to the kids using a number line. (ex. from 3 to 6 is 3 jumps on the number line, therefore, 3 hours) It was just another way to present it.

[SusanTeach]

I have the miniature clocks, and one big clock. I love teaching with those! Each child has their own clock to manipulate. I start off going through a few simple questions (show 9:00, show 9:15, show 9:25, etc...). Then I'll do a few easy elapsed times (if it's 9:00 now, what time will it be in 30 minutes?), and they show it on their clock. Before I check it, I'll show how to find it on my big clock for any kids that struggled finding the answer. After many examples like that, we move into harder ones (You're going to your friend's house at 10:00 and your mom said you could stay 3 hours, what time do you come home?). I think it really helps them to be able to move the hands on the clock.

If you don't have the little clocks, let the kids make them with small paper plates and brads.

[StephanieLynn]

I do the same thing and my students really seem to get it just by practicing for a few days.

[MPage]

Thanks for the ideas!

I have the kids make lists. For instance, 3:15-8:00.

We start from:
3:15-4:15 = 1 hr
4:15-5:15 = 1 hr
5:15-6:15 = 1 hr
6:15-7:15 = 1 hr
7:15-8:00 = 45--this last part is where the mini clocks come in. The list helps them until they can do it in their heads. I have found success with this way.

How can I as a parent teach my daughter how to do elasped time?