Make a Learning Clock Craft | GlueStick

Build a hands-on learning clock to help kids understand how to tell time. This craft combines analog and digital elements, making it a great visual aid for young learners. It's a fun way to practice math skills and fine motor coordination.

20-30 minutes Ages 5-8 1 step may need help

About This Project

A 20–30 minutes craft for ages 5–8, using supplies you likely already have — Hole Punches, Tape, and Sharpie Markers.

GlueStick supports kids from setup to cleanup. After they choose a project, we guide them through gathering the supplies, making it, and cleaning up when they're done. We'll even help them share it safely with trusted family and friends.

Ad-free and kid-safe library — designed by a mom who wants kids to explore and create independently.

This project is perfect for:

learning to tell time
math practice for kids
indoor educational activity
fine motor skill development
budget-friendly craft

Step 1: Prepare your clock face.

SHARP! Grown-up required May need grown-up help

Ask a grown-up to help you cut two small slits in the bottom part of one paper plate. These slits should be about 1 inch wide. Next, ask a grown-up to help you make a hole in the very middle of the same plate. This hole is for the clock hands. You can use a pencil or scissors to make the hole. You can also use the printable templates to help you with this step.

Step 2: Create the clock hands.

Take the other paper plate and cut two thin strips from it, about half an inch wide. Make one end of each strip pointy. Make one strip shorter than the other; the shorter one will be the hour hand, and the longer one will be the minute hand. If you want, you can decorate the hands with washi tape, paint, or crayons. Use a hole punch to make a small hole at the end of each hand that is not pointy.

Step 3: Decorate your clock.

Put some newspaper down to keep your table clean. Pinch a large pompom with a clothespin to make a 'paintbrush'. Squeeze some paint onto the newspaper. Now, paint your paper plate clock with any design you like!

Step 4: Prepare the number strips.

While your paint dries, take your construction paper and cut two long strips, about 1 inch wide. Make sure they fit through the slits you cut in the paper plate. On one strip, write the numbers 1 through 12. Start in the middle and leave a little space between each number. If your strip isn't long enough, you can tape another piece of paper to it. You can also use the printable number strips instead of writing them yourself.

Step 5: Assemble your clock.

First, use the metal brad to attach the clock hands to the center hole of your painted paper plate. Make sure the brad is not too tight so the hands can move easily. Once your paint is dry, use your black marker to write the numbers 1 through 12 around the outside edge of your clock face. Finally, slide your number strips through the slits you cut earlier. Tape the ends of the strips together on the back to make a loop. Now your clock is ready, and you can practice telling time!

Make a Learning Clock Craft | GlueStick

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