Ordinal Numbers

The class studied ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.). They learned about using ordinal numbers to sequence events. The students used ordinal numbers to tell me the steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They sequenced pictures showing steps in doing common things.

We talked about using ordinal numbers to describe physical placement. Students put finger puppets in line and described the position of each puppet. In addition to using ordinal numbers, they also told about which puppet was before or after the others. Then they played a game. In pairs, one student would put different color cubes in a line behind a screen. Then they used ordinal numbers to tell their partners the order in which to place their cubes. The screens were lifted and students checked to see if they had put the cubes in the same order.

Ordinal numbers are also used to describe finishing place in a race. Students watched a short movie showing race cars and their finishing positions. The students has some races to locate different objects around the classroom. They also worked as table groups to race to complete a several tasks.

Finally, the students ranked preferences using ordinal numbers. They thought about things that they enjoyed doing and things they didn't enjoy doing. Given the choice of reading a book, playing outside, or watching TV, students ranked their first, second, and third choices. As part of snack time, the students sampled three foods. They ranked their preferences for the foods that they sampled.