With the increasing reliance on digital devices to display the time, many adults find it challenging to understand the time on their own or to read an analogue clock. Whilst more adults than ever before are missing out on this essential life skill, it remains a core focus of the UK primary school curriculum as an introduction to numeracy and the concept of time, and being unable to read a clock prevents you from managing your time independently and effectively, as you will always be reliant on a mobile device. So, if you’re one of the many UK adults who can’t tell time but are keen to rediscover your abilities or learn for the first time, then there are a range of resources that cater specifically to adults and their unique learning needs, so let’s explore them now.
The importance of telling time
The ability to read and understand the passage of time is often taken for granted, but it is a fundamental skill that impacts our daily lives in many ways. From organising our schedules and appointments to being punctual for work or social activities, being able to read a clock is crucial, and for adults who can’t tell time, these seemingly simple tasks become daunting challenges.
One of the primary reasons why many adults struggle with this crucial skill is the increased reliance on digital devices that display the time and diminish the need to rely on clocks. Reading a clock is a skill like any other, and just like any other skill it can be lost if it is not practised or used regularly, meaning that adults who have not used a clock for many years are likely to have reduced abilities. Similarly, adults who grew up in the digital age may have missed out on learning this essential skill, and if they did not fully grasp the concept in school then the lack of instruction or reinforcement in adulthood leaves them struggling to read clocks or estimate time accurately.
The inability to read a clock can be frustrating and limiting for adults, as they are constantly reliant on their devices or others to know the time, and this growing reliance on digital timekeeping can lead to difficulties in various situations, such as using public transport and managing time-sensitive tasks. To address this skill gap, a number of resources and scaffolding efforts have been introduced throughout recent years that focus upon supporting adults to overcome their difficulties and develop their skills.
Strategies
Teaching adults how to understand time requires a patient and tailored approach, and here are some strategies that can be effective in helping adults develop this essential skill:
⦁ Visual aids: Utilising visual aids, such as large clocks with clear markings and colour-coded hands, make it easier for people of all ages to visualise and understand the concepts of hours, minutes, and seconds, providing a tangible representation of time and helping to bridge the gap between digital and analogue timekeeping.
⦁ Real-world applications: By applying the skills learnt to real-life scenarios and practical situations that adults encounter regularly, such as planning a daily routine or catching a train, adults can better understand the relevance and importance of learning to read the time.
⦁ Hands-on practice: Engaging in interactive activities that require a clock, such as scheduling activities, playing time-based games, or solving time-related puzzles, reinforces learning through hands-on practice and builds confidence for learners of all ages.
⦁ Individualised instruction: Adults have unique learning needs and it is important to develop and adapt the chosen teaching methods accordingly, ensuring that each learner receives the support and guidance they need to support their specific learning style.
Recommended resources
There are numerous resources available specifically designed to provide comprehensive instruction and practice to help adults learn, either for the first time or as a refresher. Here are some recommended resources:
⦁ Products: Retailers and educational suppliers offer a range of clocks, watches, resources, and aids designed specifically for adults with time-telling difficulties. These specialised analogue products often feature colour-coded designs, simple teaching methods, and straightforward instructions that make it easy for everyone to quickly master this essential life skill, and are an excellent starting point for those who need a visual aid to grasp the concepts of time.
⦁ Apps: There are various mobile applications available to assist adults by providing interactive lessons, quizzes, and games, which often involve breaking down complex topics into smaller, actionable tasks and providing positive feedback after completing these.
⦁ Online courses: Online learning platforms offer courses specifically tailored to adults who want to learn or improve their abilities, providing comprehensive instruction, practice exercises, and assessments to track progress. This option offers the flexibility and convenience of self-paced learning, allowing adults to study at their own pace, and also takes away any self-consciousness or embarrassment associated with having to learn in a public environment or study class.
⦁ Workbooks and worksheets: Workbooks and worksheets designed for adult learners provide exercises and practice opportunities to reinforce the concepts of time and analogue clocks and they are accompanied by answer keys and explanations to facilitate self-study.
Clocks and watches
Clocks and watches specifically designed for adults who can’t tell time can greatly assist in overcoming the analogue-reading challenges they face as these specialised timepieces feature unique designs and features that enhance readability and comprehension:
⦁ Clocks: There are numerous clocks available for adults, and unlike traditional analogue clocks, these resources are specifically designed to support learning. Depending upon the clock chosen, popular designs include colour-coded elements, hands that are labelled as “hour” or “minute” hands, and even the option to choose from the ‘minutes past and to’ or ’12 /24 hour’ system, facilitating an understanding of time progression.
⦁ Alarm Clocks: Opting for an analogue alarm clock, complete with educational designs, ensures that the first thing seen every morning is the clock face with its scaffolded learning process, rather than a screen displaying the time digitally.
⦁ Watches: Many educational watches have straps that are easily adjustable to fit up to medium adult size, and contain all the information needed for a hands-on approach that allows adults to practise reading time on-the-go and apply their new skills in real-life situations.
⦁ Games & Aids: Games and aids help reframe these learning tasks as engaging activities that can be enjoyed as well as practised. If a parent is looking to develop their skills whilst their child is learning for the first time, then they can share the learning process together through enjoyable activities and practical exercises that build confidence and proficiency in students of all ages.
Overcoming time-telling challenges in adulthood
Learning to read and understand the time is a fundamental skill that empowers individuals to manage their time independently and effectively, and for adults who can’t tell time, it is essential to seek the proper resources and support to overcome these challenges.
By investing in the recommended resources and utilising the available products, you can rediscover your time-telling abilities and regain your independence. So, explore the resources available for adults who can’t tell time from companies such as EasyRead Time Teacher and find the confidence that comes with being able to read time independently.