Grade 2 · Mathematics · 20 minutes
Read the clock
Label clock numbers with counts of five minutes. Each number on a clock marks five minutes.
Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-2-read-the-clockLearning objective
Explain and practice read the clock using the activity and evidence, then show the reasoning behind an answer.
Gather your materials
- Paper and pencil
- Counters, blocks or paper pieces
- A ruler, clock model or grid when named in the steps
Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.
Common Core skill focus
2.MD.C.7Read and write clock times to five minutes, including a.m. and p.m.
Read the official standard ↗Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard.
Teach it step by step
- Label clock numbers with counts of five minutes.
- Put the minute hand at 7 and count 35 minutes.
- Put the shorter hour hand between 2 and 3.
- Explain why the hour is still 2 and name a possible a.m. or p.m. context.
Watch, notice, discuss
Video choices for this lesson
Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.
Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.
Telling Time Song for Kids | Telling Time to 5 Minutes
By Numberock
Connect this video to the lesson on read the clock. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: Telling Time Song for Kids | Telling Time to 5 Minutes (opens a new tab) ↗Skip Around the Clock | Telling Time to the Nearest 5 Minutes | 2nd Grade Math | eSpark Music
By eSpark
Connect this video to the lesson on read the clock. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: Skip Around the Clock | Telling Time to the Nearest 5 Minutes | 2nd Grade Math | eSpark Music (opens a new tab) ↗Set a clock to a time in five-minute intervals. Explain what each hand tells you.
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Make the thinking visible
Example to work through together
The clock shows 2:35. The minute hand counts 35 minutes past 2; the hour hand has not reached 3.
Try the starter activity
Draw the minute hand at 7 and the hour hand between 2 and 3.
Student practice
Draw 4:20 and 7:45 and describe one possible time-of-day context for each.
Quick check for understanding
What time does it show?
Sample answer and teacher guidance
Sample answer: 2:35
Listen or look for: Minute hands point at 4 and 9; hour hands lie after 4 and after 7 respectively. Context determines a.m. or p.m.
Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.
Make it work for your learner
A little more support
Color-code the hands and use a clock marked in five-minute increments.
An additional challenge
Explain why the hour hand moves between numbers as minutes pass.