It can be a challenge to teach a toddler time concepts. After searching online for fun, creative ideas and looking in books, I have finally come up with a fun craft idea that works. You can create your own giant clock.
The first thing that you will need to do is purchase several large pieces of cardboard and several large pieces of construction paper. You will also need, some fasteners (which can be purchased at a local arts and craft stores), paint, markers, glue, rulers, scissors, pencils, and some strong tape. To get started you will need to make a giant circle on the cardboard. Once you have made your circle you can then cut it out. You will have a very large circular shape that is larger than your child. Now you can have your child decide what color they want their clock to be. Use the large pieces of the construction paper to cover the cardboard. Use the glue to attach the construction paper to the cardboard. Have your child do this part. Now you can cut out the pieces of construction paper that are hanging off of the cardboard.
Once the glue has dried you can use a marker to write down the clock numbers on the face of the clock. As you write them have your child help you to count out the numbers. Once the numbers are added you can get started on the clock hand. Use a large black piece of construction paper. Since this is a large clock you will want to make the hands of the clock just as large. You can use the ruler to make the hands strait. Have your child cut out the hands of the clock. Next punch a hole in the middle of the clock. It is often best that the parent do this part. The hole should only be as big as the fastener. You can place the fastener through the back of the clock to hold the hands in place. Use tape to reinforce the faster to the clock. The tape can be placed on the back of the clock. The hands should be able to move to the time that you want.
Now comes the fun part for your child. You can have your child name the clock. Write the name of the clock on the bottom in marker. You can even add eyes in the middle right about the center of the hands. Use the leftover pieces of black and white construction paper for the eyes. A mouth can be added right above the name on the bottom of the clock. This will help to make the clock come alive to your child and make the entire time telling concept a lot of fun. The clock can be hung in their room, and you can have fun choosing different times. This is a nice piece of art that your child can keep for years on their wall. It will help toddlers understand the concept of telling time.
