Analog quarter-past times
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Analog quarter-past times: skill guide
| Objective | Learners read an analog clock at 15 minutes past the hour and choose the hour that completes the digital time. |
|---|---|
| Grade | Grade 1 |
| Standard | CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.C.7 |
| Difficulty | Developing · Representational |
| Representation | Analog clock |
| Practice format | Interactive, account-free practice with immediate feedback |
Objective
Learners read an analog clock at 15 minutes past the hour and choose the hour that completes the digital time.
What this practice covers
Learners see an analog clock showing a time 15 minutes past the hour. The minute hand always points to 3 and the :15 is already written, so learners choose the hour from 1 to 12. The hour hand sits just past the hour number. Choose a 5-question Quick check or a 15-question Practice session; the difficulty progression adjusts to the selected length.
Standards alignment
Prepares for Common Core: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.C.7 — Tell and write time from analog and digital clocks to the nearest five minutes.
Who it’s for
This practice is designed for Grade 1 learners building an early understanding of clocks and time. It is also useful for older learners who want a calm visual review of how hours and minutes are represented.
What to know first
- Learners should count by fives and understand that the short hand tracks the hour while the long hand tracks minutes around the clock.
Difficulty and scaffolding
Developing · Representational stage
Problem representations
- Analog clock
Three worked examples
- The minute hand points to 3, which is 15 minutes. The hour hand is just past 2, so the time is 2:15.
- The hour hand is a little past 10 and the minute hand is on 3, so the time is 10:15.
- The hour hand is just past 12 and the minute hand is on 3, so the time is 12:15.
Likely misconceptions
- Learners may read the minute hand on 3 as the hour and choose 3 every time, or think the minute hand on 3 means 3 minutes. Counting 5, 10, 15 from 12 to 3 shows 15 minutes. The hour is the number the short hand has just passed.
Hints and explanations
- The minute hand points to 3, which is 15 minutes. The hour hand is just past 2, so the time is 2:15.
- The hour hand is a little past 10 and the minute hand is on 3, so the time is 10:15.
- The hour hand is just past 12 and the minute hand is on 3, so the time is 12:15.
What to practice next
Next, practice analog 45-minutes-past times, where the minute hand points to 9 and the hour hand is close to the next number.
Editorial review
Reviewed by Brilliant’s curriculum team. Exercises are generated within defined difficulty ranges and checked against verified answer rules.
Analog quarter-past times FAQs
What does analog quarter-past times teach?
It teaches learners to read the hour on an analog clock at 15 minutes past. Every problem is at :15, so the minute hand stays on 3 and learners focus on the hour hand, which has moved a little past the hour.
Why are clock minutes counted by fives?
A clock face has 12 numbers and 60 minute marks. Moving from one number to the next covers five minute marks, so counting 5, 10, 15 from 12 to 3 shows 15 minutes.
Should telling-time practice be timed?
No timer is necessary. Accuracy and explanation should come first. Ask the learner to find the short hand, name the number it has just passed, and then check that the long hand is on 3.
How can an adult help after a mistake?
Have the learner trace the short hand and say which number it has just passed. That number is the hour. Keep the correction brief and let the learner retry the same problem before showing the answer.