How to Read
a Clock
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Let's learn how to read a clock!
A clock helps us know what time it is.
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A clock has a round face with numbers 1 to 12.
These numbers help us tell time.
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A clock has two hands — one short and one long.
Each hand tells us something different!
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The SHORT hand is the hour hand.
It moves slowly and tells us the hour.
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When the short hand points to 3, it is 3 o'clock!
Easy! Just look at what number it points to.
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The LONG hand is the minute hand.
It moves faster and tells us the minutes.
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When the long hand points to 12, it means 0 minutes.
This is the start! We say "o'clock" — like 3 o'clock.
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Here's the secret: count by 5s around the clock!
5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30... Each number is 5 more minutes!
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When the long hand points to 1, it means 5 minutes.
Count: 5!
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When it points to 2, it means 10 minutes.
Count: 5, 10!
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When it points to 3, it means 15 minutes.
Count: 5, 10, 15!
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When it points to 6, it means 30 minutes!
Count: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30! That's halfway around!
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Now let's put both hands together!
Look at BOTH hands to read the full time.
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Short hand near 3, long hand on 6 = 3:30!
We say "three thirty" — 3 hours and 30 minutes.
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Let's try another! Short hand on 7, long hand on 3...
The long hand on 3 means 15 minutes (5, 10, 15!).
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That's 7:15 — seven fifteen!
You're getting it! Short hand = hour, long hand = minutes.
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Now try dragging the clock hands yourself!
Move the hands and watch the time change. Have fun!
Complete
Now you can tell time.
Practice with the clocks around your house. The more you look, the easier it gets.
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