Passing the time

Daily routines

Children can usually sense, even measure, the passing of time by the way the day falls into place. They will be aware of the subtle changes in their routines – from breakfast, to going to nursery or school; through to lunch and their evening meal; and finally bedtime. As they develop, they will begin to become aware of the changing cycle in their environment that signifies the day passing. They will be able to physically note the days regularly changing as they become lighter, darker, warmer or colder. There is also the very obvious movements of members of the family such as siblings going to and coming back from school, and adults getting ready to go to work and arriving home again. These predictable sequences of events give children a clear picture of the passage of time and can be a starting-point for discussions. Using resources, such as timers or photographs will support their understanding further.

Suggested resources

Sand and battery timers; clocks; watches; daily chart showing day, date, month and weather.

1 Me and my shadow

Investigate how shadows can show the passage of time

EYFS Area of learning > Understanding the world > The Natural World