Telling the time is one of those big kid milestones that opens up a whole new world of independence. But let’s be honest - teaching your child how to read an analogue clock can feel overwhelming. The numbers, the hands, the "past" and "to", the hours vs. minutes... it’s a lot to grasp!
Thankfully, there’s a better way.
At Adventure Awaits, we’ve helped thousands of Aussie families make time-telling easy and even fun. The secret? Our curated collection of Cactus and EasyRead watches and clocks that make learning to tell the time a breeze - and we know, because we’ve tried and tested them with our own kids and customers.
🕰️ Why Teaching Time Can Be Tricky (But Doesn’t Have to Be)
Telling the time is about more than just numbers - it’s a mix of:
Kids often learn best with visual cues, repetition, and tools designed to support how they actually process information. That’s why the right clock or watch makes all the difference.
🕒 Enter: EasyRead and Cactus Time Teachers
We’ve personally used both of these brands and cannot recommend them highly enough. They’ve made time-telling click for kids in minutes, not months.
🕑 EasyRead Clocks & Watches
Designed in Australia, EasyRead products use colour-coded segments and clever layouts to help kids read the time in two easy steps:
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Read the number at the end of the minute hand
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Say which side it's on – past or to
That’s it. Seriously. And it works!
We stock the 12-hour EasyRead designs to suit your child’s learning stage.
📅 Cactus Watches
Cactus is another Aussie brand we adore. Their watches are stylish, water-resistant, and built for active kids. They offer both Time Teacher styles (with labelled dials) and progressive watches as your child becomes more confident.
They're super popular with:
🤝 We’ve Used These Products With Our Own Kids (And Customers!)
This isn’t just a sales pitch. We’ve tested EasyRead and Cactus products in our own families and with real customers, and the feedback is consistently 5 stars:
“My daughter learned to tell the time within HOURS of using her EasyRead clock! We were both shocked!”
“We love the Cactus watch – it’s comfortable, clear and my son wears it every day.”
We only stock products we believe in - and these two brands truly make a difference.
✅ The Benefits of Learning to Tell the Time (Early!)
Giving kids the confidence to tell the time helps with:
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Routine and structure
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Independence (getting ready, knowing when to leave)
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Reducing anxiety about "how long" things take
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Learning responsibility (bedtimes, school bells, timers)
It's also a huge confidence booster!
📊 Top Tips for Teaching Kids to Tell the Time
Here are some parent-tested strategies we recommend:
1. Start With the Basics
Talk about parts of the day using time words: morning, lunchtime, afternoon, bedtime.
2. Use a Visual Clock
Hang an EasyRead clock in a space where your child gets ready each day.
3. Pair with a Watch
Once they’re familiar with the clock, introduce a matching EasyRead or Cactus watch so they can practise on the go.
4. Make It Part of Everyday Language
Ask questions like: “What time is it now?” or “Can you tell me when it's 4 o’clock?”
5. Praise Progress
Celebrate when they get it right, even if they’re still using cues from the dial.
🧢 Our Top Picks from the Collection
⏰ EasyRead Wall Clock
Perfect for bedrooms, hallways, classrooms or study nooks - these clocks help kids and get the family involved.
⌚ EasyRead Time Teacher Watch
Great for school-aged kids learning "past" and "to" methods. Comes in multiple colours to suit every style.
🕛 Cactus Time Teacher Mentor Watch
Water-resistant and durable, ideal for everyday wear. Includes fun, stylish designs older kids love.
🚀 Real Results From Real Parents
We hear this often in-store:
“She learned to tell the time in just one weekend!” “We struggled for months - then I bought the EasyRead clock and it clicked instantly.”
Time teaching can be easy - when you have the right tools.
🚜 Perfect for Travel and School
Our watches and clocks are lightweight, sturdy and made for busy kids. Whether it’s for:
They’re as fun as they are functional.
🎁 A Brilliant Gift Idea
Parents, grandparents and teachers love gifting these! They’re great for:
Educational? Tick. Useful? Tick. Fun? Double tick!
🔄 Built to Last (and Be Passed Down)
We love products that grow with your child. EasyRead and Cactus watches are built tough for daily wear and tear. When your child outgrows it, it can be passed down or kept as a keepsake from their learning journey.
✨ Final Thoughts (And a Little Nudge)
Teaching kids to tell the time doesn’t have to be hard. With the right tools, they can master it in minutes - and actually enjoy the process!
We’ve stocked EasyRead and Cactus products for years because they work. Simple as that. If your child is ready to learn (or struggling and needs a fresh start), this is where to begin.
🚗 Explore our full range of Learn to Tell the Time watches and clocks here:
CLICK HERE!
You’ll find something that clicks for them - and makes your day just a little easier too.
About Adele Dyson & the Adventure Awaits Team
Adele Dyson is the founder of Adventure Awaits, Slide n' Dry Pegless Clotheslines, and Caravanning with Kids. Based in the friendly town of Numurkah in rural Victoria, Adele and her small but mighty team are passionate about discovering and sharing the most unique and practical gifts around. From Aussie-made essentials to clever caravanning gear and gifts that make people smile, everything in store is hand-picked with heart.
Need help picking the perfect present? The team are absolute gift-giving pros - just give them a call and they’ll help you find something spot-on for any occasion. Adventure Awaits is more than just a store - it’s a little slice of joy where there’s something for everyone!
