The minute hand points to 3
Count 5, 10, 15. The hour hand is just past 2.
Answer: 2:15 The long hand points to 3, which means 15 minutes; the short hand has passed 2.
Clocks and Time · Grades 2–3
How to Read an Analog Clock
An analog clock shows time with two hands. Read the short hour hand first, then use the long minute hand to count minutes.
What children need to know first
- The short hand shows the hour. When it is between two numbers, the hour is the number it has passed.
- The long hand shows minutes. Each number stands for five minutes.
Step-by-step explanation
- Find the short hour hand and name the last number it passed.
- Find the long minute hand.
- Count by fives from 12 to the minute hand's number.
- Say the hour and minutes together.
Worked examples
The minute hand points to 8
Count by fives: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40. The hour hand is between 6 and 7.
Answer: 6:40 The hour hand has passed 6, and the minute hand marks 40 minutes.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Reading the number under the minute hand as the minutes. Count by fives instead.
- Calling the next hour when the short hand is between two numbers. Use the hour it has already passed.
Parent teaching tips
- Use a toy clock and move the minute hand while your child watches the hour hand move gradually.
- Practice at five-minute times before introducing every minute.
Independent practice
- The minute hand points to 4 and the hour hand is just past 9.
- The long hand points to 12 and the short hand to 7.
Practice answers
- 9:20
- 7:00
Explore related skills
Practice this skill
Open the matching Grades 2–3 activity for Clock. You can print its worksheet with questions only or an answer key.