Elapsed time is easier when students can see the events in order. A visible plan lets them connect the start time, each duration and the final finish time before they calculate independently.
The Daily Maths Review event planner tool gives teachers a screen-based timeline for setting a start time, choosing event types, adding event lengths, reading total plan length and finding the finish time.
Start with a short sequence
Begin with two or three events rather than a full-day timetable. Students can track each start and finish time, then explain how the total duration was built.
- Set a start time that students recognise from the school day.
- Add one event and ask students to predict the new finish time.
- Add a second event and read the total plan length.
- Change one duration and discuss how the finish time changes.
Use the timeline before the equation
The timeline is useful because students can see the order of events. After the plan is visible, write the matching start-time, duration and finish-time calculation.
Start at 9:00, add 45 minutes of maths and 30 minutes of reading, then ask students for the total plan length and finish time before checking the display.
Move from schedule to problem solving
Once students can read the plan, hide the answer verbally and ask them to predict. If they need more support with reading times, use the clock tool first, then return to the event planner for multi-step schedules.