User Guide

The Elapsed Time Line is a manipulative created to help calculate elapsed time.
The time line represents one whole day in a linear format. The linear form of time makes it
easier for students to count between the hours and minutes to find the elapsed time. The
time line includes hours and minutes in five minute intervals. The A.M. and P.M. hours are color
coded. The A.M. hours are red and are on the left side of the time line. The P.M. hours are
green and are on the right side of the time line. The color-coding helps students visually see
the difference in the A.M. and P.M. times.
The Elapsed Time Line includes two sliding arrows, one to mark the start time (blue) and one
to mark the end time (red). The start time arrow is located on the top of the time line. The end
time arrow is located on the bottom of the time line. The arrows can indicate any start time or
end time in a 24 hour time period.
The hinge in the middle of the time line allows it to be folded for easy storage in a desk or
drawer. (Caution: Do not force the time line to close, this may cause it to break. It should fold
easily.) The hinge in the middle also divides the A.M. and P.M. hours.
1. 12:00 P.M. is located on the right side of the hinge. This is when the P.M. hours begin.
2. The time increments on the time line are in five minute intervals; therefore the
latest time is 11:55 P.M. Please make sure students are made aware of this to
avoid confusion.