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Time is a Fundamental Concept for Children
Understanding the concept of time is essential for a child’s development. It allows them to situate themselves in the world, anticipate events, structure their thinking, and develop autonomy. However, time is an abstract concept that can be difficult for young children to grasp. This guide offers educational insights and practical tips to help your child explore and understand this notion.
Sensorial Cues: Concrete Learning Tools
Sensorial cues are valuable allies to help children grasp the concept of time in a concrete and playful way. They make time “visible,” tangible, and audible, which greatly facilitates understanding.
Feel free to use these tools in your daily routine, adapting them to your child’s age and needs. For example, you can create a personalized time line using photos of your child and important life events.
Time lines: Visualize the sequence of days, weeks, and months.
Sequential photos: Illustrate the steps of an action (e.g., washing hands).
Seasonal cycles: Observe changes in nature.
Sand timers: Make the duration of an activity tangible.
Songs and nursery rhymes: Mark the passage of time through rhythm and melody.
A Skill That Develops Over Time
Before age 2: Lives in the present moment.
Begins to understand object permanence. Starts recognizing daily routines.
Ages 2–4: Understands the notions of “before” and “after.”
Learns the days of the week. Still has difficulty assessing duration.
From age 5: Can place events in time.
Starts using a calendar. Begins learning to tell time.
Practical Tips for Parents and Educators
Establish routines: Daily rituals (meals, bedtime, etc.) structure the day and help the child orient themselves in time.
Use precise vocabulary: Talk about “yesterday,” “today,” “tomorrow,” “next week,” etc.
Be patient: Understanding time develops gradually, and every child progresses at their own pace.
Offer playful activities: Memory games, time-sequencing puzzles, etc.
Involve the child in planning: Create the weekly schedule together.
Adapt activities to the child’s age: Simplify concepts for younger children.
➡️ “Find out how to help your child understand the concept of time and become more independent.”