Exploring Time Through Storytelling and Hands-On Learning with the Clock Doc

Time is a concept that can be tricky for young children to grasp. At our recent preschool storytime, Dr. Mark Beever DVM, and Clock Repair Expert, known affectionately as "the Clock Doc," helped children explore time in a fun and interactive way. His visit combined storytelling, hands-on activities, and a special cuckoo clock demonstration that brought the idea of telling time to life for the kids.

Bringing Stories to Life with Clocks

Mrs. Beever shared several engaging stories that introduced the children to clocks and the concept of time. The stories included:

• Hickory Dickory Dock by Keith Baker, a playful retelling of the classic nursery rhyme.

• The Completed Hickory Dickory Dock by Jim Aylesworth, which adds a creative twist to the familiar tale.

• What's The Time Clockodile by Jonathan Litton, a fun story that combines animals and time-telling.

  
  

These books sparked curiosity and excitement about clocks. Storytelling helped the children connect with the idea of time in a way that felt natural and entertaining. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of the stories made it easier for the kids to remember the sequence of numbers on a clock.

Hands-On Learning with Cardboard Clocks

After the stories, each child received a cardboard clock with movable hands. This simple tool allowed them to practice setting the time themselves. Dr. Beever guided the children through exercises such as:

• Moving the hour hand to show different times.

• Matching the time on their clocks to the times mentioned in the stories.

• Understanding the difference between the hour and minute hands.

  
  

This hands-on approach gave the children a chance to explore time actively rather than passively listening. It also helped develop their fine motor skills and reinforced the connection between numbers and time.

The Magic of the Cuckoo Clock

One of the highlights of the visit was the cuckoo clock Dr. Beever set up in the library. Many children had never seen or heard a cuckoo clock before, so it was a fascinating experience. The clock cuckooed a number of times, and the children took turns listening carefully and then setting their cardboard clocks to match the number of cuckoos.

For example, when the clock cuckooed three times, the children set their clocks to 3 o’clock. This activity helped them associate the sound with the time, making the abstract concept more concrete.

The cuckoo clock also introduced the children to a unique type of clock that tells time in a different way than the digital clocks they might be used to. This variety helped broaden their understanding of how time can be represented.

Why This Approach Works for Young Learners

Combining storytelling with hands-on activities and real-life examples creates a rich learning environment. Here’s why this method is effective:

• Engagement: Stories capture children’s attention and make learning enjoyable.

• Active Participation: Using cardboard clocks allows children to practice skills immediately.

• Sensory Experience: Hearing the cuckoo clock adds an auditory element that reinforces learning.

• Contextual Learning: Relating time to stories and sounds helps children understand its practical use.

  
  

This approach supports different learning styles and helps children build a solid foundation for telling time.

Encouraging Time Learning at Home

Parents and caregivers can use similar techniques to help children learn about time:

• Read clock-related stories together.

• Use simple clocks with movable hands for practice.

• Introduce different types of clocks, such as analog, digital, or novelty clocks.

• Create games where children match times to daily activities.

  
  

These activities make learning about time a shared and enjoyable experience.