Number Sense

Teachers Get These Engaging Ordinal Number Activities for your kiddos. They’ll make learning how to name the position of something from 1st, 2nd, 3rd to last great fun!

Ordinal numbers are a special kind of number that tells the position of something. As the name suggests, ordinals help identify the order of things in a list; for example first, second, third, etc.

Now, this doesn’t sound complicated it can be a little tricky for little learners, usually Foundation, Kindergarten, Preprimary and preschoolers. 

Previously Students have probably been focused on counting a sequence, or learning that numbers can be used to tell how many there are in a collection. Now learning Ordinal Numbers is going to challenge this learning to also include the idea of using numbers to identify the order or position of something in a group.

Many children may understand the idea of ‘first’ but tend to associate it with last, and not as a way to identify the position or order of numbers and objects, so just be aware of this when teaching and assessing your students. 

What are Ordinal Numbers?

Ordinal numbers are a special type of number that tells the position of something in a sequence or group. They help us identify the order of things, such as first, second, third, and so on. These numbers are essential for counting, sorting, and comparing objects. You’ll find ordinal numbers used in various contexts, from sports and music to everyday life. For instance, when you say “I came first in the race” or “This is the second book on the shelf,” you’re using ordinal numbers to describe the position or rank of something. Understanding ordinal numbers is a fundamental skill that helps students make sense of the world around them.

Introducing Ordinal Numbers

Introducing ordinal numbers to students can be a fun and engaging experience. Teachers can use simple ideas to weave in incidental learning throughout the day. For example, using line-ups, calendar time, and story sequencing can help students understand the concept of ordinal numbers. Imagine lining up stuffed animals and asking students to identify the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions. During calendar time, you can discuss which day of the week is the 1st or 2nd. Story sequencing activities, where students put events in order, also reinforce the concept. Additionally, incorporating songs and rhymes makes learning ordinal numbers a happy and enjoyable experience for students.

Teaching Ordinal Numbers with Rhymes and Songs

Teaching ordinal numbers with rhymes and songs is a great way to make learning fun and engaging. Songs like “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” or “The Ordinal Number Song” can help students remember the order of numbers. Using rhymes and songs not only makes the learning process enjoyable but also helps students develop their phonological awareness and language skills. By incorporating music into your lesson plans, you can create a lively and memorable learning experience that reinforces the concept of ordinal numbers.

Below are our Ordinal Numbers Teaching Resources and Printables for explicit teaching. Click each image to download.

Related Resources: Daily Number Sense Activities Every Teacher Needs To Know