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If I Can’t Tell the Time — Should I Focus on Analogue or Digital?


Telling the time is an essential life skill, but for many learners, especially those with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) or neurodivergent profiles, it can be a tricky concept to master. One common question parents and educators ask is whether to focus on teaching analogue clocks or digital clocks first.



Why Digital Clocks Are Often Easier to Start With

Digital clocks display time using numbers (like 3:45 or 14:30), which is usually easier for learners to recognise and understand quickly. This clear, direct presentation removes some of the abstract thinking required for reading analogue clocks.


For learners who struggle with processing multiple pieces of information or who have difficulties with visual-spatial skills, digital clocks can be less overwhelming. They also align well with many everyday devices, like smartphones, microwaves, and public transport timetables — all predominantly digital.



When and Why to Introduce Analogue Clocks

Although digital clocks are practical and accessible, analogue clocks remain important for developing a broader understanding of time concepts:


  • Analogue clocks help learners grasp ideas such as “quarter past,” “half past,” and “quarter to”.

  • They illustrate the passage of time visually — how the minute and hour hands move and relate to each other.

  • Many educational settings and exams still use analogue clocks.


Once a learner is confident with digital time, you can gradually introduce analogue clocks with hands-on activities, such as:


  • Using teaching clocks with movable hands

  • Matching times between analogue and digital clocks

  • Practising daily routines using both clock types



Multi-Sensory Strategies to Support Learning

Helping learners engage with time can benefit from multi-sensory approaches:


  • Visual: Use colour-coded clocks, apps, or videos

  • Kinesthetic: Manipulate clock hands physically

  • Auditory: Verbalise times and routines aloud


Building time-telling skills over time and linking them to real-life events helps make the learning meaningful and memorable.



Summary

Start with digital clocks to build confidence and practical skills, then introduce analogue clocks to deepen understanding and prepare learners for a range of situations. Adapting your approach based on individual needs and pace is key for success.

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