As we run around in frenzy completing
our day to day tasks, we almost end up running against time and many mothers
wish that children would do more things on time, waste less time etc. for
children to understand about time, being on time and wasting time etc it is
important that they understand the concept of – time.
What is time? How do we see it? Where
do we see it? How do we know that time is up? For us it is easy to understand
these questions but these are concepts about time that we take for granted, and
can be confusing for a child .
The concept of time first begins in
simple everyday rituals, because till children cannot count, it goes without
saying that they will be unable to understand about the small hand, big hand, 2
o’clock etc. The understanding of time starts with simple everyday rituals and
routines. ‘We will brush our teeth, then we will have milk and then we will sit
for a story’. Children as young as 18 months can understand when you tell them
a routine and infact kids love routine as it adds that much needed structure to
their day and gives them things to look forward to. This is also good for their
growing brains as brains thrive on routine, knowing what is next.
Singing songs to children about time,
clocks and other time related concepts, also helps, so when its time to put
toys away it helps to sing the song given below. similar songs can be sung for
eating, brushing teeth and other daily chores.
‘Its time to put your toys away, toys
away, toys away
Its time to put your toys away. its
time to end our game’.
Songs and rhymes like hickory,
dickory dock, help children understand about the existence of clocks and make
them observe them in their environment.
The next step is to make a picture
clock for your child which is in the shape of a clock but instead of the
numbers has pictures of his/her daily activities in the same sequence, where
number 12 usually is on the clock, paste the child’s photo and on the other
numbers place pictures of the routine of the day. As the time to brush the
teeth approaches put the big hand on the child’s photo and the small hand of
the clock on the picture of child brushing teeth. And say, ‘lets look what time
is it. Oh, its time to brush your teeth.’
The concept of time is not only about
teaching how to ‘see’ time, but is also about teaching the importance of being
of time, using time well and understanding that there is a special time for
everything.
1. Concept of being on time- extremely
essential. At this age children learn by imitation so your child will learn looking
at you and your habits, so be punctual!
2.
Using
time well- here using visible items like a sand timer helps so that
children can see time passing and know that little time is left to complete the
activity etc
3. Special time for everything- just like
schools have a timetable it is important that mothers make a timetable for home
and help the child display it in the room, this helps children understand
routine, structure and time management!
Try out these time tested activities
with your child and I guarantee you will have the time of your life!
