In a race, who is first? Who is second? Today we learn the words that tell us the position of something in a line.
Words for position
| Number | Position word | Short way |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | first | 1st |
| 2 | second | 2nd |
| 3 | third | 3rd |
| 4 | fourth | 4th |
| 5 | fifth | 5th |
| 6 | sixth | 6th |
| 7 | seventh | 7th |
| 8 | eighth | 8th |
| 9 | ninth | 9th |
| 10 | tenth | 10th |
Where do we start?
Always check where the line begins. In a race, the runner nearest the finish line is first. In a line at the shop, the person nearest the cashier is first.
🏁 🐢 🐇 🐕 🐈 🐓
The finish flag is on the left. The turtle is first. The rabbit is second. The dog is third. The cat is fourth. The rooster is fifth.
TRY ITWho is first?
The cars are racing to the finish line on the left. The car nearest the line is first.
Let’s practise
Try each one. Then tap Show answer to check.
1. Look at the race above. Which animal is third?
Show answer
The dog.
2. Look at the race above. What position is the cat?
Show answer
Fourth (4th).
3. Monday is the first school day of the week. What is the second school day?
Show answer
Tuesday.
4. Ten children stand in a line. Who is last?
Show answer
The tenth child.
5. What comes after seventh?
Show answer
Eighth.
6. Write “ninth” the short way.
Show answer
9th.
Quick check
1. Which word comes after third?
Show answer
Fourth.
2. Ana is 5th in the line. How many children are in front of her?
Show answer
4 children.
3. What is the short way to write “second”?
Show answer
2nd.
Maths words
Say these words with a grown-up. Can you use each one in a sentence?
position · first · second · third · last · beginning · end · next
Try it at home
- Line up 10 toys. Ask: “Which toy is sixth?” Then swap roles.
- In a queue at the shop, say what position you are in.
- Have a race with family members. Who came first, second and third?
For parents and teachers
After this lesson, your child should be able to:
- use the words first to tenth to describe position
- find the beginning of a line before naming positions
- read the short forms 1st to 10th
Children often mix up “sixth” and “six”. Ask “how many?” and “which one?” questions so they hear the difference.
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