3-2 Time: Understanding Time Concepts

Key Concepts

1. Telling Time to the Hour

Telling time to the hour means identifying the exact hour on a clock. The clock has numbers from 1 to 12, and the hour hand points to the current hour.

2. Telling Time to the Half-Hour

Telling time to the half-hour involves identifying when the minute hand is at the 6 (which represents 30 minutes) and the hour hand is halfway between two numbers.

3. Using "O'clock" and "Half Past"

When the hour hand points directly at a number, we say "O'clock." For example, 3:00 is "three o'clock." When the minute hand is at the 6, we say "half past" the hour. For example, 3:30 is "half past three."

Detailed Explanation

Telling Time to the Hour

On a clock, the hour hand moves from one number to the next every hour. When the hour hand points directly at a number, it is exactly that hour. For example, if the hour hand is pointing at 5, it is 5:00 or "five o'clock."

Telling Time to the Half-Hour

When the minute hand is at the 6, it means 30 minutes have passed in the current hour. The hour hand will be halfway between the current hour and the next hour. For example, if the hour hand is between 5 and 6, and the minute hand is at the 6, it is 5:30 or "half past five."

Using "O'clock" and "Half Past"

Using "O'clock" and "Half Past" helps in clearly communicating the time. "O'clock" is used when the minute hand is at the 12, and "Half Past" is used when the minute hand is at the 6.

Examples

Example 1: Telling Time to the Hour

If the hour hand is pointing at 8 and the minute hand is at the 12, the time is 8:00 or "eight o'clock."

Example 2: Telling Time to the Half-Hour

If the hour hand is between 9 and 10, and the minute hand is at the 6, the time is 9:30 or "half past nine."

Analogies

Analogy 1: Like a Race

Think of telling time to the hour as being at the starting line of a race. When the hour hand points directly at a number, it's like the race has just started. Telling time to the half-hour is like being halfway through the race.

Analogy 2: Like a Journey

Imagine a journey where each hour is a stop. When the hour hand points directly at a number, it's like you've just arrived at a new stop. When the minute hand is at the 6, it's like you're halfway to the next stop.