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Time is a difficult concept which most adults, let alone children struggle to get a real grasp off. Gaining a more thorough understanding of time will enable children to become more organised, better planners and boost their general awareness.
In relation to time there are many concepts that we do not fully understand.
Children must aim to understand the significant units of time and their subjective experience of time. In addition, children should be introduced to the concept of timelines and how to understand, compare and evaluate different timelines.
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Below are some techniques to develop these skills.
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1
Introducing Time perception
Pick two activities and ask your child or student to do them for 10 minutes each. One should be generally fun, fast-paced, and active; the other more boring and monotonous. Set a timer for 10 minutes for each activity, making the child aware that they will be timed but not the length of time of each activity. After each exercise, reflect on how the child felt doing the exercises. Ask the child questions about the length of time, enjoyment level, productivity, etc.
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This form of reflection based on time is a great way to encourage children to understand more about their subjective experience of time. This can help them take an active role when thinking about study techniques and environments that suit them and their experience.
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Questioning Time
To keep the concept and relevance of time as a perpetual area of interest for children, we should engage them by asking questions and encouraging them to think critically about time in their daily lives. This can be as simple as asking general questions related to time, such as "How long will it take?", "How many days until?", or "When will you be done?". Including children in the process of time management can greatly aid their understanding and expertise in this area.
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Introducing Timelines
Timelines are an effective way to teach children about time because they provide a visual representation of events and their sequence. By discussing the stages and changes that occur in a process, children can learn about the passage of time and how it affects different things. This is especially useful for teaching concepts such as change, timing, past, present, and future. As children get older, introducing them to life planning and encouraging them to think about their goals can help them develop a sense of purpose and direction. Overall, timelines are a valuable tool for helping children understand and think critically about time and its impact on various aspects of their lives.