Telling Time
Read the clock. Hours, half-hours, and quarter-hours.
1The Clock Face
A clock has a round face with numbers 1 to 12 around the edge. It has two hands: a short one (the hour hand) and a long one (the minute hand).
The short hand points to the hour. The long hand points to the minutes. When the long hand points to 12, it is the start of a new hour.
2Hours and Half-Hours
When the long hand is on 12, we say "o'clock." Short hand on 3, long hand on 12 = 3:00 (three o'clock).
When the long hand is on 6, it has gone halfway around the clock. That is 30 minutes, or "half past." Short hand between 3 and 4, long hand on 6 = 3:30 (half past three).
3Quarter Hours
When the long hand is on 3, that is 15 minutes — "quarter past." When the long hand is on 9, that is 45 minutes — "quarter to" the next hour.
Practice with a real clock. Move the hands and say the time out loud. Soon you will be able to read any clock at a glance!
★Explore
Tap any picture to hear it spoken aloud.
Quick check
When the long hand points to 6, how many minutes have passed?