Melissa and Doug Clock

One of our family's favorite toys is the Melissa and Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock that was given to Buddy when he was about 19 months old.  I've used this clock to help teach colors, numbers, shapes, and now how to tell time.  Recently, Buddy and I have been working on how to identify the hours of the day.  We've been working on learning that the minute hand goes on 12 and the hour hand goes on the number of the hour.  Buddy announced this afternoon that it was 7 o'clock and he had positioned the hands correctly.  I cheered for him then announced "7 o'clock means time to get ready for bed!"  He quickly moved the hands and then proclaimed, "Oh wait, it is only 6 o'clock!".  Buddy's quick wit amazes me most days. 

Sweetpea also loves playing with the clock but we're still focusing on color and shape recognition.  Her favorite thing to do right now is to pull the number pieces out of the clock and spread them around the house.  But that is okay and we still talk about what color and shape piece is in her hands.  While playing with the clock, I also tell her the numbers for the pieces, if they are facing her, as well because you never know what a child is learning.  Buddy was able to recognize the difference between octagons and hexagons by 21 months thanks to this shape clock!  All in all, I love this Melissa & Doug toy and the Shape Sorting Clock will stay in our toy box for a long time.