Elapsed Time

Elapsed Time:

Elapsed time is the amount of time that has passed. In third grade, children are expected to solve problems involving elapsed time, but it can be very tricky for them. Fortunately, we have learned a trick! The children have learned to make a T chart. You put the starting time at the top of the chart. You count the hours by ones and the minutes by fives. When you get to the ending time, you should have the accurate answer. Ask your third grader to show you tonight!

For example:

Start time - 12:35, End time - 3:15

12:35, 1:35, 2:35 -That's 3 hours.

2:35, 2:40, 2:45, 2:50, 2:55, 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15 -That's 40 minutes

Answer - 3 hours, 40 minutes

(*It all looks nicer on a T chart but I lacked the technological skills to put one on this page. Sorry!)