Reading time in hours and minutes

Clock for Class 2 Maths

A clock is a machine that is used to measure time. Here students get to know about the clock and reading time. The students will learn about the clock for class 2. They will learn about the hour hand and minutes hand, also about the second hand.

In this learning concept, the students will learn:

• Elapsed time
• Digital clock image

Each concept is explained to class 2 maths students using illustrations, examples, and mind maps. Students can assess their learning by solving the two printable worksheets given at the pages’ end.
Download the clock worksheet for class 2 and check the solutions for the clock concept provided in PDF format.

To read time in hours and minutes first we need to understand a clock.

Clock

A clock is a mechanical/electrical device used for measuring time. There are three hands on a clock which help in indicating hours, minutes, and seconds on a round dial of a clock.

A picture of a clock is given below.

Hour Hand and Minute hand

• The thick and shortest hand in the clock is called the hour hand.
• It shows the hours on the clock.

• The thick and long hand represents the minute hand.
• It shows the minutes on the clock.

Seconds hand

• The thin hand represents the second hand.
• It shows the seconds on the clock.

Time in Hours

To read time in hours, follow these steps.

• The minute hand of the clock points to the 12.
• The hour hand of the clock points to any number of the clock.
• Then it can say the time as ‘number o’clock’.

Let us discuss with an example.

Answer: The minute hand of the clock is at 12.

The hour hand of the clock is at 1.

Hence, the time is 1 o’clock.

Half-past to Hour

• The hour hand is between any two numbers on the dial.
• The minute hand is pointing to the 6.
• Then it is said ‘half past the number just left to the hour hand’

Let us discuss with an example.

Example:

Look at the clock and tell the time.

Answer: The minute hand is at 6.

The hour hand is between 3 and 4.

Hence, it is called half past 3.

Digital Clock Image

A digital clock displays the time in numerical digits rather than by hands on a dial.

• Here two dots separate the hour and the minutes.
• The number which is written before the two dots denotes the hour.
• The number which is written after the two dots denotes the minutes.

Let us discuss with an example.

Example:

15 minutes to 9 will be written in the digital clock as 08:45.

Also, any time can be written in this form.

Like 10 o’clock as Hour : Minutes = 10: 00

half past 12 = 12: 30

Elapsed Time

Elapsed time is the total amount of time that passes from the start of an event to its’ finish.

• Elapsed time is about how much time went by?
• There are two types of elapsed time
  1. Elapsed time forward
  2. Elapsed time backward

Let us explain with an example.

Example:

1. Samuel woke up at 7:00 in the morning. He brushed his teeth, ate breakfast, and got dressed for school in two hours. What time was it when Samuel gets ready for school?

   Answer: Samuel gets ready for school after 2 hours from 7:00 in the morning. Therefore, he gets ready for school at 9: 00 in the morning. That is 9 o’clock.

2. Riya went to the symphony performance. The music ended at 6: 00 in the evening. Her performance continues for 1 hour. What time was her performance started?

   Answer: Her performance started at 5: 00 in the evening.