After my son became interested in telling time, I searched high and low for a beginner learning clock. After not finding anything that concretely illustrated how to tell the hourly time, I decided to make my own!
This analog clock can be used to learn in several ways. First the child assembles the clock puzzle pieces to internalize the order of numbers around the clock. Each hour piece is uniquely contoured for control of error, so the child can only put the hourly puzzle pieces together in the correct order. The minute puzzle pieces can be assembled with numbers showing or just tick marks. When assembled with minute numbers showing, each number is split across 2 puzzle pieces, so the minute numbers only show correctly when the pieces are in the correct order.
After the clock is assembled, the hour and minute hands can be placed on the center dowel to practice telling time. The shorter hour hand reaches only to the hour puzzle pieces and the longer minute hand reaches farther to the minute puzzle pieces. To assist the child in telling time, the hour puzzle piece edges act as "borders" for each hour. For example, at 2:50, although the hour hand is closer to the number 3, the child can see that the hour hand is still pointing to the hour 2 puzzle piece, thus illustrating the correct hour.
Pieces and frame are made from birch plywood, sanded smooth in the natural unfinished condition. All markings are laser engraved. Hour and minute pieces are thicker than the frame to aid little fingers in placing and removing pieces. Frame measures 10.75" square. Clock comes with 12 minute ring pieces, 12 hour pieces, and two clock hands.
This was my first original design created to help my son learn something, so it's one of my favorites!