Worked Example 1
Reading to the Minute
The hour hand is between the 9 and the 10. The minute hand is 2 small marks past the 4. What time is it?
- 1The hour is 9.
- 2Count by 5s to the 4: 20 minutes.
- 3Add 2 more minutes: 20 + 2 = 22
Answer: 9:22
Florida Grade 3 Math · Measurement
MA.3.M.2.1: Telling Time to the Minute
What this Grade 3 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.
Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC
What Is Benchmark MA.3.M.2.1?
Students tell and write time to the nearest minute on analog and digital clocks, using a.m. and p.m. correctly.
On an analog clock, count by 5s to the last number the minute hand passed, then count the small marks by 1s.
Official benchmarkUsing analog and digital clocks tell and write time to the nearest minute using a.m. and p.m. appropriately.
On the FAST test: part of the Grade 3 reporting category Geometric Reasoning, Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability, which is about 23–29% of the test.
Worked Examples
Worked Example 2
Choosing a.m. or p.m.
Lunch starts at 12:15, just after noon. Is that a.m. or p.m.?
- 1a.m. is from midnight to noon. p.m. is from noon to midnight.
- 212:15 just after noon is in the afternoon.
Answer: 12:15 p.m.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Reading the next hour too early
Wrong:The hour hand is almost at the 4 and the minute hand shows 56 minutes, so it is 4:56.
The hour hand has not reached 4 yet, so the hour is still 3. It is 3:56.
Mixing up a.m. and p.m.
Wrong:Dinner at 6:30 in the evening is 6:30 a.m.
Evening is after noon, so it is 6:30 p.m.
Helpful Math Tip
Keep an analog clock where your child can see it and ask for the exact time, not just "about," a few times a day.
Related Grade 3 Skills
Make Florida Math Practice More Fun
Help your child build math confidence with original interactive questions aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Mathematics Standards.
Start Practicing FreeIndependent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.