How to Teach and Learn Time with a Cuckoo Clock

Today we talk all about how to learn time with cuckoo clocks. Kids love and adore cuckoo clocks, so why not consider one instead of a plastic toy clock?

Teaching your children how to tell the time is something you start at a very young age. Many parents buy a plastic toy clock to help their children learn the time in a fun way. But consider buying a cuckoo clock instead and have a timeless piece of art and German history that brings joy to your household long after your children master telling the time. Today we share the history behind the cuckoo clock and how you can learn time with cuckoo clocks.

Related: What Is a Modern Cuckoo Clock?

A Brief History of the Cuckoo Clock

The cuckoo clock has been around since the 17th century. Prior to the invention of clocks, the time was kept using an hourglass and sundial. The Black Forest in the Bavarian area of Germany is the birthplace of the cuckoo clock, which is crafted out of the finest wood. Farmers in Schönwald would make crude clocks to survive throughout the winter when crops were low. The clocks evolved in 1737 when the German clockmaker Franz Ketterer added the cuckoo. The intricate components of the inside of cuckoo clocks required great skill to build, so it is seen as a true work of art as well as an icon of craftsmanship.< /br>< /br>Today, a few companies continue to uphold the same craftsmanship used to make these historic clocks. There are so many styles and designs to choose from, and the cuckoo clock has become an icon of Germany. Having your own cuckoo clock is a great family tradition even if you aren’t German. Cuckoo clocks are passed down from generation to generation, so consider starting this tradition in your family as children love the cuckoo clock. It makes for an excellent way to teach the time.

How to Teach and Learn Time with a Cuckoo Clock

There are so many wonderful games you can play with your children to teach the time with your cuckoo clock. Using an actual cuckoo clock is an interactive way to learn the time. You can create your own games or use worksheets found online. Set up a system to acknowledge when your child gets the correct answers — like a board with stars. Create a reward system that makes sense e.g. for every 10 correct answers they get a sticker then, for every 20 stickers, they get a little trinket or piece of candy.

What Time Is It?

Turn the hands of the clock to each hour and get your children to guess the correct time. Then ask them to record their answers on a piece of paper. This also helps them practice writing the time down. When you show the hours and half hours the kids will get a surprise from the cuckoo bird. Then switch places and ask your child to move the hands to the times you give them.

Time Intervals

Create a clock poster divided into quarters to show how we tell the time using intervals like quarter after, half past, quarter to, etc. Then practice with your children on the cuckoo clock by turning the hands to each quarter interval. Have them say the time aloud and write the correct answer on the poster. You can also use the poster to teach your children five-minute intervals on the clock by turning the hands of the cuckoo clock and having them guess the time.

Elapsed Time

With the help of your cuckoo clock, you can create elapsed time word problems for your children so they understand the concept of time and how much has passed. Choose a time on the clock and ask the child to write it down. Then pick a later time and ask how much time has passed. You can also give them real-life examples — “if it’s 8:15 and you have to be at school at 9, how much time do you have to get ready?” They get to practice their math skills along with learning how to manage their time in real situations. There are some great worksheets to help with elapsed time if that helps you out.

Speed Drills

Once your child has all the basics of telling time mastered, do speed drills where you change the clock hands quickly and they shout out the answer. Also, you can surprise them at random times of the day by looking at the clock and asking for the time. This keeps your kids on their toes so they don’t forget what they’ve learned.

CuckooClocks.com is the home of authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Add a piece of German culture to your home with a cuckoo clock today. Our clocks are unique, certified, and varied — no matter what your taste, we have a cuckoo clock to suit you.