It's About Time

Vernita Smith                  Mahalia Jackson Elementary School
                               917 West 88th Street
                               Chicago IL  60620
                               (312) 535-3341

Objectives:

This mini-teach has been designed for first and second graders.  You may alter 
it in any way to accommodate your grade level.  The main objective is to tell 
time to the hour on an analog clock and how to compare more and less time. 

Materials Needed:

Average size classroom of 20-25 students.
 1.  Analog Clocks                     7.  Box of Connecting Cubes 
 2.  Puzzle Clocks                     8.  Box of Attri-Cubes
 3.  6-Rings and 4-Cones               9.  2 Transparent Cups
 4.  Stop Watches                     10.  Tape
 5.  Beads and String                 11.  Large and Small Spoons 
 6.  Scissors                         12.  Star and Square Shapes

Strategy:

Start out by asking students what time they got up this morning (answers will 
vary).  Write times on the board, and explain each time on the hour.  Pass out 
the analog clocks and explain the parts and their functions.  Then call out a 
series of different times to the hour.  Have students show you the correct time 
on their analog clocks.  Ask students how long they think it will take to put 
together a puzzle clock.  Let them give you a time.  Group students in pairs, 
one student can use the stop watch and the other student can put the puzzle 
together.  Record the estimated time and the actual time.  Repeat the same 
procedure using beads and string.  Have students string 30 beads then record the 
estimated time and actual time.  To compare more and less time, have students 
cut out a simple shape (square) and a complex shape (star).  Let them tell you 
which will take more or less time to cut.  Record the results.  Then have them 
fill 2 3/4 cups of water (use tape on cup for visual limitation) using a small 
spoon for one cup and a large spoon for the other cup.  Record estimated time 
and actual time.  Take boxes of connecting cubes and attri-cubes, and have 
students empty the boxes (one at a time) then replace cubes 2 at a time.  Record 
the estimated time and the actual time.  Stay in groups for ring tossing.  This 
activity is timed at 20 seconds per student.  Line-up the cones one after the 
other, about 8 inches apart.  Let students toss the rings for points (green-6 
points, blue-4 points, and yellow-2 points).  When the 20 seconds is up the 
student with the most points should be rewarded. 
                     
Performance Assessment:

When lesson is completed ask students if they enjoyed the activities.  Then let 
them tell you why (answers will vary).  At this time students should have an 
understanding of time to the hour.  They should be able to relate school time, 
lunch time, and bed time to their real life situations.  In addition, they will 
be able to compare more and less time.  Example:  Putting on shoes with laces or 
putting on slippers.  It will take more time to put on shoes with laces.