"Here's what most people miss about teaching time: the ultimate goal isn't reading a clock face – it's developing time intelligence for real life. Children need to instantly recognize that 30 minutes looks the same whether it's 2:15 to 2:45, 5:35 to 6:05, or 11:20 to 11:50. When children have to count by fives around the clock face every time they encounter time, they're using enormous mental energy on the basic skill – leaving little cognitive capacity for the actual time ma

Does this sound familiar? Your student tries to manage their phone and wallet at the same time - holding their phone in one hand, trying to open their wallet with the other, then needing to get money out but having no free hands. In the confusion, they set their phone down 'just for a second' and then can't remember where they put it. This simple visual system creates a clear sequence: phone in pocket FIRST, then wallet from bag - no more juggling both at once.