England · Year 2 · Ages 6–7 · Common mistakes

Year 2 Telling Time: Common Mistakes & Fixes

Understand common Year 2 telling time mistakes, why they happen and how to fix them with short practice checks.

Learn from errors

Three mistakes to watch for

These are common ways children can become stuck on this type of question. Use the short check after each one to make sure the correction is understood.

1

Calculating before checking the unit

Why it happens: A correct number with the wrong unit can represent a completely different measure.

Fix it: Circle the unit first and convert only when necessary.

Quick check: State the unit you expect in the final answer before calculating.
2

Mixing conversion facts

Why it happens: Length, mass, capacity, time and money use different conversion relationships.

Fix it: Write the relevant conversion fact beside the question before using it.

Quick check: Write one conversion fact that is useful for this topic.
3

Using the wrong measure for the situation

Why it happens: Perimeter, area, volume, duration and change answer different questions.

Fix it: Describe what is being measured in words before selecting a method.

Quick check: Explain what the required measure means in this problem.
Next step

Turn the explanation into practice

Use the printable for independent work, or return to the topic overview to choose another way to practise.

Help