Grade 1

What is an ordinal number?

ordinal number

A number that tells position, like first, second and third.

For example

Ana came second in the race, and second is an ordinal number.

In Grade 1

Children use first, second and third about real queues and races before the words appear in writing.

Watch out for

Children often say how many are standing there instead of the place. Third names a position, not an amount.

Say it at home

In any queue, ask your child which place they are standing in, not how many people there are.

How to Teach Your Child to Count (Grade 1)

Younger children may meet this as: position number.

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