Telling Time to the Hour

Grade 1 · Math · Study Guide

Learn how to read a clock and tell time when the minute hand points to 12.

A clock helps us know what time it is. Most clocks have two hands: the short hand and the long hand.

The short hand is called the hour hand. It points to the hour — the number that tells us which hour it is. The long hand is called the minute hand. When it points straight up to the 12, it means we are exactly on the hour.

To tell time to the hour, look at where the short (hour) hand is pointing. If it points to 3 and the long hand points to 12, the time is 3 o'clock. We write this as 3:00.

Clocks have the numbers 1 through 12 arranged in a circle. As time passes, the hands move clockwise — that means they go in the same direction as the numbers from 1 to 12.

There are 12 hours shown on a clock face. In one full day, the clock goes around twice — once for the morning hours (called AM) and once for the afternoon and night hours (called PM).

Practice by looking at a clock and reading the hour hand first. If the long hand is on 12, just say that number followed by o'clock!

Key terms

hour hand
The short hand on a clock that points to the hour
minute hand
The long hand on a clock; when it points to 12, it is exactly on the hour
o'clock
A word used to say it is exactly on the hour, like 2 o'clock or 7 o'clock
clockwise
The direction clock hands move — the same direction as the numbers 1 through 12 on a clock
clock face
The front of a clock that shows the numbers 1 through 12 in a circle

Flashcards

Hour hand
The short hand on a clock that shows which hour it is
Minute hand
The long hand on a clock; when on 12, the time is exactly on the hour
What does 7:00 look like on a clock?
The short hand points to 7 and the long hand points to 12
O'clock
Used when the minute hand is on 12 and the time is exactly on the hour
How many numbers are on a clock face?
12 numbers (1 through 12)
Which direction do clock hands move?
Clockwise — following the numbers 1 through 12 in order
How do you write 5 o'clock?
5:00

Questions

  1. The short hand points to 6 and the long hand points to 12. What time is it?

    1. 12:00
    2. 6:00
    3. 6:30
    4. 12:06
    Show answer

    Answer: 6:00

    When the short hand is on 6 and the long hand is on 12, the time is 6:00 (6 o'clock).

  2. The long hand pointing to 12 means it is exactly on the hour.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    When the minute hand (long hand) is on 12, the time is exactly on the hour.

  3. Which hand on a clock is called the hour hand?

    1. The long hand
    2. The short hand
    3. Both hands
    4. Neither hand
    Show answer

    Answer: The short hand

    The hour hand is the short hand. It points to the current hour.

  4. When we write 3 o'clock, we write it as ___:00.

    Show answer

    Answer: 3

    3 o'clock is written as 3:00. The hour goes before the colon.

  5. The clock shows the hour hand on 9 and the minute hand on 12. What time is it?

    1. 12:09
    2. 9:30
    3. 9:00
    4. 12:00
    Show answer

    Answer: 9:00

    When the hour hand is on 9 and the minute hand is on 12, it is 9:00 (9 o'clock).

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