Teaching Time to Toddlers: 5 Fun Games (The 'Mr. Timble' Way!)
Ticking Clocks and Curious Minds
Learning to tell the time is a major developmental milestone for a child. It's the moment they begin to grasp the rhythm of their day, from "When will Daddy be home?" to "How long until bedtime?" For many parents, teaching this abstract concept can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to. The best way to introduce this skill is through something children already understand: the power of a good story and the joy of a fun game.
This is the very essence of 'hidden learning', a philosophy we explored in our ultimate guide to making every moment a learning opportunity. This article is a practical extension of that idea, showing you how to turn time-telling into a playful adventure, all inspired by our favourite little detective, Mr. Timble.
A Timely Mystery: What Mr. Timble Taught Us About Clocks
In the "Mr. Timble" stories, time is often a crucial element. In one of his most popular adventures, Mr Timble and The Bakery Theft, a mystery unfolds that revolves entirely around a clock. Mrs. Munchkins, the baker’s wife, had 10 delicious cakes and sold 8 of them. She was certain she should have 2 cakes left, but one was missing. To solve the case, Mr. Timble had to listen carefully as Mrs. Munchkins recalled the events of her day, with each customer arriving "at 9 o'clock" , "at 10 o'clock" , "at 11 o'clock" , and so on.
This is a perfect example of how books and stories can introduce concepts like time in a context that is both entertaining and memorable. Mr. Timble’s investigation teaches us that time isn't just a number on a clock; it's a sequence of events that make up our day.
From Minutes to Memories: The 5-Game Guide to 'Hidden Learning'
Here are five simple, fun games you can use to teach your child to tell the time, inspired by the spirit of Mr. Timble’s investigations.
Game 1: The 'Time Detective' Game
How it Works: Just like Mr. Timble questioning Mrs. Munchkins, you'll become a time detective. You and your child will take turns being the 'detective,' solving daily mysteries.
The Mission: Hide a small object (like a toy mouse with a detective hat!) and leave a trail of clues tied to specific times.
Clue 1: "The first clue is in the kitchen. Look for it at 9 o'clock on the big clock."
Clue 2: "At 10 o'clock, your next clue is near the fluffy cushion."
This game helps children associate numbers on a clock face with specific actions and objects. You can start with full hours and progress to half-hours.
Educational Goal: This game reinforces the concept of time as a sequence of events and introduces them to the hours on a clock face.
Game 2: The 'What Time Is It, Mr. Timble?' Game
How it Works: This is a playful spin on a classic game. You’ll make a simple clock face together, and then one of you will be 'Mr. Timble.'
The Mission: Have your child stand at one end of the room and you at the other. The child asks, "What time is it, Mr. Timble?" You call out a time (e.g., "It's 3 o'clock!"). The child then takes that many steps.
Educational Goal: This links an abstract number (the time) to a concrete, physical action (the number of steps), making it much easier to understand. It’s also a great way to practice counting.
Game 3: The 'Daily Routine Clock'
How it Works: Create a large, colourful clock face on a piece of cardboard. Draw or stick pictures of your child’s daily routines at the corresponding times.
The Mission: Attach pictures of a toothbrush at 7:00 am, a dinner plate at 5:00 pm, a bed at 7:30 pm, and so on. Throughout the day, ask your child to look at the clock and the pictures to see what's happening next.
Educational Goal: This ritual connects the concept of time to their own life, making it relevant and meaningful. They learn to recognise the relationship between the clock hands and the activities of their day.
Game 4: The 'Minutes Detective' Trail
How it Works: Once your child has a solid grasp of the hours, introduce minutes with a detective-style game inspired by Mr. Timble.
The Mission: Create a scavenger hunt with clues that use minutes. "The next clue is 10 minutes from now!" Set a timer and race to find the clue when it goes off. You can use phrases like "The long hand is on the 3" for 15 minutes past the hour.
Educational Goal: This helps them understand that a minute is a tangible unit of time and that the numbers on the clock aren't just for hours. It also strengthens their numeracy skills as they count in fives.
Game 5: The 'Time-Telling Tales'
How it Works: This game uses a classic story time ritual to teach time. As you read a story, point out the times mentioned and relate them to the clock on the wall. In
Mr Timble and The Bakery Theft, Mrs. Munchkins's tale is a perfect teaching tool. You can ask your child to point to the clock on the page that shows each time she mentions a customer.
Educational Goal: This reinforces the practical application of time-telling in a narrative context. It helps children understand that time is part of everyday life and stories.
Why 'Hidden Learning' is the Best Approach
These games are more than just fun distractions; they are a powerful application of the 'hidden learning' philosophy. By embedding educational goals into play, you avoid the pressure of formal lessons. This approach fosters a natural love for learning and discovery, making it a joyful process rather than a chore.
If you want to discover more ways to turn everyday moments into fun, educational opportunities for your child, check out our full article: Beyond the Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to 'Hidden Learning' for UK Kids (Aged 3-7). You'll find a wealth of ideas for teaching everything from maths to morals, all through the magic of play.
Conclusion: Every Minute Counts
Just as Mr. Timble’s investigation proved that even a single missing cake can be a great mystery, every minute in a child's day holds a learning opportunity. By making time-telling a fun, interactive game, you're not just teaching them to read a clock; you’re teaching them to be curious, to solve problems, and to embrace the adventure of learning.
Embrace these 'Mr. Timble' inspired games and watch your child’s understanding of time—and the world around them—grow.
Also read our blog: The Art of the Cosy Bedtime Story: Tips to Make Reading a Magical Family Tradition