An analogue clock asks a child to coordinate two number systems on one circle: hours from 1 to 12 and minutes from 0 to 59. The hands also move at different speeds, and everyday phrases such as “quarter to” can add another layer. If an autistic or ADHD child finds this confusing, slow the sequence down. Understanding matters more than answering quickly.
Teach one hand at a time
Use a teaching clock with movable hands, or make one from card. Give the short hour hand and long minute hand consistent colours. Begin with the minute hand removed. Move only the hour hand and connect it to meaningful events: wake-up time, lunch or a favourite programme.
Next, explore the minute track separately. Place counters around a circle in groups of five, then connect that circle to the clock face. The NCETM time guidance recommends looking first at the hour hand and then the minute hand, helping children understand that an analogue clock combines hour and minute number lines.
Record the time in a familiar format
After building a time on the clock, write or select its digital version. “Three fifteen” can be easier to connect with 3:15 before introducing “quarter past three.” A recent NCETM teaching feature describes a gradual path: learn hours and minutes separately, record them digitally, combine them, and introduce “past” and “to” later.
- Practise one useful time rather than a full worksheet.
- Let the child move the hands; avoid timed quizzes.
- Use the same hand colours on drawings and schedules.
- Accept pointing, matching or AAC answers.
- Revisit the skill during real routines, not only lessons.
Keep a digital clock available in daily life if it supports independence. Learning an analogue clock is a maths skill, not a test of maturity. Some children need many short repetitions, and others may use digital time as their main accessible tool.
AutDHD’s family-calendar guide and before-and-after guide can help build wider time concepts.
This is general information shared for parent awareness, not medical advice. Every child is different — please confirm decisions with your child’s doctor or a suitably qualified professional.