The Idea that Started it All

It's a simple idea, but it's what inspired me to start this blog.

Calculating elapsed time is a difficult concept. The more practice students get, the easier it will be. Here's a quick activity that will give students practice several times a day.

Put a clock students can manipulate by the door. As you leave for art, P.E., lunch or another activity tell the students how long you will be gone for. Then ask them what time you will return. For example: "We will be gone to P.E. for 45 minutes. It's 1:30 right now. What time will we be back?" This can also be reversed and done when you get back to the classroom instead. "We were at P.E. for 45 minutes. It's now 2:15, what time did we leave?" Or "We left at 1:30 and it's now 2:15, how long were we gone?"

I found these great foam clocks at Target for $1!!

You can also make your own with cardstock and brads. http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/time/time-clock2.pdf

These will last longer if laminated. Also remember to not close the brad too tightly on the paper or the hands won't turn well! It's smaller than the foam clock, but great for the individual.

How do you teach elapsed time?

Note: This is only a "quick" activity if your students have already learned and practiced elapsed time :)