Diving Deep into the Learning Resources Time Activity Set: A Comprehensive Review

Time is a concept that both fascinates and confuses children. It's a crucial part of our daily lives, yet it's not always easy for kids to grasp. That's where the Learning Resources Time Activity Set comes into play. As a parent who homeschools two energetic boys aged 5 and 7, I've been on the lookout for educational toys that not only teach but also engage. After stumbling upon this set, I knew I had to give it a try. Now, after several weeks of incorporating it into our learning regime, I'm excited to share our experiences with you.

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Unboxing and First Impressions

The set arrived in a bright, colorful box that instantly caught the attention of my kids. Inside, we found the 41-piece set neatly organized, which includes a plastic clock with movable hands, a write & wipe clock, 24 double-sided analog and digital puzzle cards, 12 double-sided, write & wipe daily activity cards, 3 time dice, and an activity guide. The quality of the materials impressed me right off the bat; everything felt durable and well-made, a must for anything that's going into the hands of little ones.

Exploring the Components

The centerpiece of the set, the plastic clock, was a hit with my kids. The movable hands and the colorful face made it easy for them to start interacting with it immediately. The write & wipe clock was equally popular, especially because it gave them the feeling of being 'teachers' themselves. But what truly stood out were the analog and digital puzzle cards. These cards are designed to gradually increase in difficulty, allowing kids to build their understanding at their own pace.

Learning and Fun Rolled into One

Each component of the set is geared towards making learning about time a hands-on, engaging process. The time dice, for example, became an instant favorite in our house. We've used them to play games that I devised based on the activity guide, as well as some of our own creation. This not only helped my kids learn to tell time but also encouraged them to think critically about the passage of time and how it impacts their daily activities.

The daily activity cards were another brilliant addition. They helped my kids relate the concept of time to their everyday lives, making abstract concepts much more tangible. Whether it was understanding how long an hour feels when they're playing versus doing chores, these cards added a valuable layer of understanding.

Progress and Observations

Over the weeks, I've seen significant progress in both my kids' ability to tell time, thanks to this set. My 5-year-old, who was previously only able to understand the concept of o'clock, can now tell time to the half hour and is beginning to grasp quarter past and quarter to. My 7-year-old, on the other hand, has mastered these concepts and is starting to understand how to tell time in 5-minute increments.

What's been particularly rewarding to observe is the way the set encourages independent learning. With the activity guide, my kids often set up their own learning games, exploring the concepts in a way that makes sense to them. This autonomy in learning has been a significant confidence booster.

Conclusion and Recommendation

I cannot recommend the Learning Resources Time Activity Set highly enough. It's a comprehensive, engaging, and fun way to teach kids about time. The variety of activities and the quality of the materials make it a valuable addition to any homeschool curriculum or as a supplement to traditional schooling. If you're on the fence about getting it, I say go for it. It's not just a toy; it's a powerful learning tool that your kids will enjoy and benefit from immensely.

Final Thoughts

As a parent, finding tools that genuinely make learning fun and effective is always a win. The Learning Resources Time Activity Set has been a game-changer for us, transforming how my kids perceive and understand time. Giving the gift of learning is one of the most valuable things we can do for our children, and with this set, it feels like we're doing just that, but in a way that's enjoyable for them. So, if you're looking for a way to help your child master the concept of time, this set might just be the perfect solution.

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