Keeping Time: From the Beginning and into the 21st Century
What’s inside...
Science, folklore, and special activities are combined by the author of It's Raining Cats and Dogs in a guide to time, which explains everything from who named the weekdays to why an hour has sixty minutes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
105 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think people long ago measured time without modern clocks?
What are some ways that knowing about time helps us in our daily lives?
Can you think of any tools or machines that rely on time to work properly?
How do you think time measurement might change in the future based on what you've read?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the book's content to their daily routines, such as bedtimes or school schedules.
Ask your child to imagine living in a time period without digital clocks and brainstorm different ways they might keep track of time.
Discuss the importance of time in organizing and planning, using examples from the book and your family's own experiences.
Use examples from the book to spark curiosity about technological advancements and their impact on everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of time
Explanation: The book explores the progression of timekeeping methods from ancient civilizations to modern technology, explaining concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by understanding schedules, the significance of punctuality, and the organization of daily activities.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for historical innovations
Explanation: As the book details the evolution of clocks and timekeeping, it highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of various cultures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and learn from historical achievements and to understand their impact on contemporary life.
Example Lesson: The importance of technological advancements
Explanation: The book discusses how advancements in timekeeping technology have led to more precise and convenient ways to measure time.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to embrace and explore technology, understanding its role in improving everyday tasks and its potential to solve complex problems.
Example Lesson: Development of patience and foresight
Explanation: The narrative of time progression teaches children the importance of waiting and planning for the future.
Real-World Application: This helps them in developing patience and the ability to anticipate future needs or actions, improving decision-making skills.