Earlier and Later Time Worksheet for Preschoolers
Children ages 4-6 build early time-sequencing skills by comparing clocks and everyday activities to decide which happens earlier and which happens later in the day. This worksheet introduces the abstract idea of time passing through the concrete lens of familiar routines, like meals or bedtime, which children already experience daily. Tracing the arrow toward the later activity also reinforces the logical, forward direction that time moves.
Part of the pack
Month 8: English, Math, Science | Ages 6-7Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Look at the pair of clocks and matching activities together, discussing what each activity typically happens during — morning, afternoon, or night. Ask your child which of the two events would happen earlier in a normal day, and have them tick the clock representing that earlier time. Repeat for the 'later' comparisons, checking their reasoning by talking through the daily routine out loud. Finally, have your child trace the arrow in the direction pointing toward the activity that happens later.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Crayons
Extension activities
- •Walk through your child's actual daily schedule together, naming what happens earlier and what happens later.
- •Create a simple picture timeline of morning routines, like waking up, brushing teeth, and eating breakfast, in order.
- •Play a guessing game asking 'which happens earlier, lunch or dinner?' using everyday events.
- •Look at a real clock together and talk about what time certain daily activities usually happen.
- •Draw two pictures of the same activity at different times of day, like breakfast and dinner, and label which is earlier.
Tips for parents and teachers
Reading an analog clock face isn't expected at this age, so focus the conversation on the sequence of events rather than exact clock times. If your child reverses earlier and later, ground the comparison in something they know well, like 'do you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?' Talking through their own daily routine out loud is one of the most effective ways to make the abstract concept of time concrete.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.
Published · Last reviewed
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